Officer who told suspect he ‘punched like a woman’ given advice about conduct

By Jonathan McCambridge (Press Association)

A police officer in Northern Ireland who told a member of the public he “punched like a f****** woman” has received advice about his conduct.

The Police Ombudsman said the officer also called the complainant a “f****** scumbag” and failed to caution him during arrest.

The office of the ombudsman investigated the incident which happened in August 2023 after police were called to a house in County Antrim.

The complainant alleged that during his arrest he was sexually assaulted and his arm was twisted by one officer.

Ombudsman investigators viewed Body Worn Video (BWV) of the incident, from the point the officers stopped the complainant on the street to when he was placed in a police vehicle.

The footage contained no evidence to support these allegations.

However, the ombudsman said footage showed an officer saying “you punch like a f****** woman” and “you’re a f****** scumbag and you know it”.

The ombudsman’s investigation said there was evidence to show the officer had committed misconduct by breaching the code of ethics in relation to civility and professionalism.

This allegation was referred to the PSNI Professional Standards Department, which determined that the officer should receive “management action” intended to improve his conduct.

A file was also sent to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) in relation to the potential criminal offence of perjury as the officer stated in his duty statement that he had cautioned the complainant when he was arrested. The ombudsman said BWV showed that he was not cautioned.

The Office of the Police Ombudsman said a caution ensures a member of the public can “fully understand their right to silence and the consequences of making any comment following arrest”.

However, the PPS made a direction of no prosecution on the basis that there was insufficient evidence to support it.

This matter was also referred to the Professional Standards Department as a breach of the Code of Ethics related to accurate record keeping.

Police Ombudsman senior investigation officer Martin McCaffrey said: “Police officers are expected to maintain the highest standards in accordance with their code of practice when dealing with members of the public irrespective of the circumstances.

“They are also expected to follow proper procedures ensuring that members of the public are afforded their rights when arrested.

“Following an investigation by the Police Ombudsman’s Office the evidence showed that this officer failed to display the standards expected and he has been held to account for his conduct.”

Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray, head of the PSNI professional standards department, welcomed the report.

He said: “We expect all our officers to treat members of the public with professionalism and respect at all times.

“Where the conduct of an officer is alleged to have fallen short of these high standards, as identified in this case, it is right that officers should face an impartial, thorough enquiry by the Police Ombudsman’s office.

“As a result of this investigation, the officer was provided with management advice in respect to how he spoke to this member of the public and conducted the investigation.”