West Yorkshire Police officer fined for on-duty assault
The 40-year-old PC was found guilty of using excessive force
A West Yorkshire Police officer has been fined £1,150 after being found guilty of an assault while on duty.
PC Kenny Walton, 40, based in Wakefield District, was charged with one count of common assault following an incident on June 16 2024.
The court heard that Walton, while working in the Safe Space Hub in Wakefield city centre, used excessive force after asking a man to leave the facility.
He was found guilty at Sheffield Magistrates Court and sentenced today (December 8)
Detective Chief Superintendent Tanya Wilkins, Head of West Yorkshire Police’s Professional Standards Directorate, said:
“Police officers will sometimes be required to use force during the course of their duties, but it is vital that its use is reasonable, necessary and proportionate.
"In this incident, the officer’s actions were not appropriate in the circumstances and his statement regarding what happened did not fully reflect the circumstances portrayed on Body Worn Video.
"A complaint in respect of the officer’s actions was made to West Yorkshire Police Professional Standards Directorate and an investigation commenced, which resulted in the officer being placed on restricted duties.
"Now that the court case has concluded, we will progress misconduct proceedings.”