Dorset Police officer acquitted of assault
A judge said they could not be sure the force used was unreasonable.
Last updated 31st Jan 2022
A Dorset Police officer who was sentenced following an alleged off-duty assault in Weymouth has been acquitted.
On Friday 19 November 2021 Police Constable Gareth Morris appeared at Southampton Crown Court to appeal his conviction for an offence of assault by beating.
He was previously sentenced at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 18 August 2021 and ordered to pay a £200 fine, £400 compensation to the victim, £600 in costs and a £40 victim surcharge.
The incident occurred at around 3am on Sunday 8 March 2020 in The Nook bar on The Esplanade.
At the appeal hearing, the judge concluded that they cannot be sure that the force used during the incident was unreasonable and PC Morris’ appeal was upheld.
After he was cleared of assault, it was determined by the Force’s Professional Standards Department that Police Constable Gareth Morris will not face any misconduct proceedings.