Serving Essex Police officer cleared of assault
He was found not guilty after a two-day trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court
A serving Essex Police officer has been cleared of assault after an arrest in Westcliff last year.
PC Christopher Wentworth was found not guilty after a two-day trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court yesterday
He was accused of using excessive force during an arrest last March, during which he detained a man on suspicion of drink driving.
A complaint was made to the Independent Office of Police Conduct and Wentworth was placed on restricted duties.
He denied assault in court and was subsequently cleared. He has now been able to return to duty without restrictions.
Essex Police Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin said: “Our officers find themselves in challenging and potentially dangerous situations every day and are trained in the use of force, which is used only when it is deemed necessary.
“In this instance, it has been proven that PC Wentworth acted proportionately to the situation he faced.
“We have endeavoured to support him throughout the last year, which has no doubt been challenging for him.
“I know that he wants nothing more than to carry on keeping Essex safe.”