Police officers cleared of assault after tasering man, 92, in a care home
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Two police officers who sprayed synthetic pepper spray and Tasered a 92-year-old amputee in a care home have been found not guilty of assault.
PC Stephen Smith and PC Rachel Comotto were accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and using excessive force against Donald Burgess, a single-leg amputee.
Mr Burgess grabbed a kitchen knife and threatened staff at Park Beck care home in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, saying he would 'take pleasure' in murdering them.
Within 83 seconds of entering the room, PCs Smith and Comotto sprayed synthetic pepper spray in Mr Burgess's face, used a Taser on him, then used a baton to try and knock the knife out of his hand. More Trending
They have now both been cleared of assault by a jury at Southwark crown court.
Mr Burgess was taken to hospital after the incident in June 2022, and later contracted coronavirus. He died just over three weeks later aged 93.
PC Smith said he didn't see Mr Burgess was disabled and using a wheelchair at the time, because he was focused on the knife he was holding with 'white knuckles' in an 'immense grip'.
Ian Mills, a use of force adviser for the police and expert for the defence, told the court Smith's actions 'would be consistent with training based on the officer's perception of the threat at the time'.
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