Police officer jailed for punching innocent man during stop and search

 
Jailed: a police officer has been sent to prison for punching a man during stop and search
Alexandra Rucki22 October 2014
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A police officer who punched a man during a stop and search in fear he would kill him with his car keys has been jailed.

PC Matthew Harries, 36, who worked for Ealing Police, approached Justin Small in a car park outside Nandos in Park Royal, west London.

He searched him on suspicion of possession of drugs but punched him in the face twice without warning, Southwark Crown Court heard.

Harries also struck him across the knee, leaving Mr Small with swollen eyelids and swelling to the spine.

He later said Mr Small was holding his car keys in his fist and was concerned he may use them as a weapon against him.

Mr Small lodged a complaint with the Independent Police Complaints Commission and an investigation was launched.

Harries was found guilty of actual bodily harm and was sentenced to six months in prison during a hearing at Southwark Crown Court today.

DPS Detective Chief Superintendent Alaric Bonthron said: "Where an officer's behaviour falls short of the very high standards that we and the public expect of them then it is only right that they are held to account for their actions.

"The actions of one officer abusing his position in this way can cast a shadow over the thousands of officers who are on duty right now demonstrating bravery, compassion, integrity and professionalism.

"There is no place in the Metropolitan Police Service for officers and staff who do not uphold our values."

Scotland Yard said Harries has been suspended and disciplinary proceedings will be held in due course.

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