A Metropolitan Police officer has pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm after allegedly tasering a man who subsequently fell from an outbuilding and sustained life-altering injuries.
PC Liam Newman, stationed at Ilford Police Station, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning to refute the charge that he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Leonard Sandiford.
The incident occurred in Woodford Green, East London, on April 24 2022, when Newman, 30, was pursuing Mr Sandiford, 61, on foot. According to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), Sandiford climbed onto "a shed structure" and fell after being tasered by Newman.
Following a year-long investigation, the IOPC passed a file to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which then authorised the charge. Newman, from Hornchurch, was granted unconditional bail and is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court on December 18.
Met Police Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell previously said: “I am acutely aware of the level of public concern following this incident. Our officers understand it is vitally important to maintain public trust and confidence, and that such matters are thoroughly investigated. Given criminal proceedings are now active we must now allow the circumstances to be examined in open court.”
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