Colin Banham (instructed by Paul Parsons from Blackfords Solicitors) successfully represented an officer who, along with her colleague, were both accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm following their use of PAVA spray, baton and Taser on a 92-year old amputee.
PCs Rachel Comotto and Stephen Smith denied using excessive force on Donald Burgess at Park Beck care home in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex.
During the high-profile trial at Southwark Crown Court, Colin Banham addressed the jury in relation to his client’s “fair and honestly held belief” in her need to act, as there was a risk that Mr Burgess would harm himself due to delirium.
The jury returned unanimous verdicts of not guilty on both Sussex Police officers after around 2 hours of deliberations.
This is the latest in a long line of high-profile matters where Colin has successfully represented police officers accused of both criminal and misconduct allegations.
