Metropolitan Police Officer found guilty of assault

An officer has been found guilty of assaulting a man at a police cordon after the incident was captured on body-worn video. Police Constable Kashif Mahmood, based at Stoke Newington police station, was found guilty of assault by beating in Hendon Magistrates` Court on February 9. The incident was referred to the Independent Police Complains Commission – now the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) – and following an independent investigation a file was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in September. The CPS decided to charge the 29-year-old officer in December. PC Mahmood was one of a number of officers guarding a police cordon in an unrelated issue on May 5, 2017. The victim repeatedly approached the cordon and it was alleged the he insulted PC Mahmood and was arrested. During the arrest he was pushed against a wall by the officer and sustained a cut to his head. IOPC Regional Director for London Jonathan Green said: “Our investigation looked at body worn video footage of this arrest, as well as taking evidence from PC Mahmood and a fellow officer, the victim and members of the public. “We trust the police to use reasonable and proportionate force in the course of their duties, but a court has determined that PC Mahmood overstepped the mark and that his actions were criminal. “A criminal conviction does not automatically mean a police officer will lose their job. Whether or not PC Mahmood will continue to serve as a Metropolitan Police officer will be determined by disciplinary proceedings. “We found that PC Mahmood had a case to answer for gross misconduct for his use of force and a case to answer for misconduct for failing to obtain medical care for the member of the public concerned. “It will now be a matter for the Metropolitan Police to schedule misconduct proceedings and on conclusion, determine what, if any further action will be taken against this officer.” PC Mahmood is due to be sentenced in Westminster Magistrates Court on February 19. He currently remains on restricted duties.