Latest news with #policeofficer
CBC
a day ago
- CBC
Hamilton police officer accused of sexually assaulting co-worker 'purposely' misinterpreted her: Crown
Social Sharing WARNING: This article references sexual assault and may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone affected by it. It also mentions thoughts of suicide. A Hamilton police officer who stands accused of sexually assaulting his colleague in 2022 "would not take no for an answer," Crown lawyer Jason Nicol argued as he completed his closing arguments Tuesday in a Burlington courthouse. "In a nutshell, this case is about a more experienced and senior police officer who would not take no for an answer from a younger, very inexperienced female colleague despite her attempts to mollify him and repel his advances," Nicol said. In the trial, which began in January, Nicol said Jeffery Turnbull pursued a younger officer, made sexual comments, sent her unsolicited messages and gifts and inappropriately touched her without her consent before sexually assaulting her in March 2022. The woman's identity is protected under a standard publication ban. Turnbull has pleaded not guilty in the case before Ontario Justice Jennifer Marie Campitelli. The trial has taken place in Hamilton and Burlington, Ont. Defence lawyer Joanne Mulcahy finished making her closing argument at the Ontario Court of Justice in Burlington on July 17. Her final submission, which began in June, focused on what she said were inconsistencies in the woman's story of the alleged assault and her interactions with Turnbull in the months before and weeks after. Defence says two officers were having an affair On the stand, the woman said Turnbull spoke to and messaged her regularly even though she didn't want to talk to him. She said he gave her gifts and flirted with her, including by sending her nude images of himself. She said he would talk about his poor mental health or even threaten suicide if she didn't go along with what he wanted. It was under those circumstances, the woman said, that she went to Turnbull's home when his wife was away to visit him, his children and dog with her new puppy. The woman says it was on that visit that Turnbull pinned him to the couch and sexually assaulted her despite her saying she didn't want to have sex. The defence says the two were actually having a consensual affair, which the woman denies. Turnbull said the two planned to have sex while his wife was away, the woman was a willing participant, and that the visit with her dog was actually the next day. Mulcahy said the crown failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the sex at Turnbull's residence was non-consensual. The woman was inconsistent in her description of the alleged assault, Mulcahy said, not using the word rape with investigators and only using it on the stand Jan. 10. Her story about the alleged assault also didn't add up, Mulcahy said. For example, the woman said a back injury prevented her from resisting, but she was working as a police officer in the field and had not been deemed unfit to perform her usual physical duties. The defence also said she mischaracterized their relationship. For example, Mulcahy said, text records show the woman called Turnbull "rude" when he removed her as a Snapchat friend, indicating she wanted to talk to him. Crown says inconsistencies are understandable Nicol said inconsistencies in the woman's testimony were understandable and "peripheral." For example, he said, she's clear on which weekend the alleged assault happened, even if there is disagreement about the exact day. And he said that while the Crown and defence may disagree on when Turnbull allegedly touched the woman inappropriately at work, there was ample opportunity for that to occur within the time frame the woman suggested. He said the woman participated in preparatory meetings with the Crown and had already done an interview with Ontario's Special Investigations Unit — which investigates police conduct — and the Hamilton police professional standards team. It would be unreasonable to assume she could remember exactly what she said during a "gruelling" and "extensive" cross examination, Nicol said, alluding to her crying and requiring breaks while on the witness stand. He noted she testified "a trial was the last thing she wanted," and said "she has gained nothing from this process but stress and grief." Consent must be communicated at the time: Crown Nicol also said the defence was tapping into myths about how a survivor of sexual violence should or should not act. He said her continuing to speak with Turnbull in the week after the alleged assault is not out of the ordinary. He also accused the defence of unfairly "blaming a victim for failing to be her own criminal investigator," when Mulcahy asked why she hadn't attempted to access deleted Snapchat messages for evidence like her client did. At one point in her closing argument, Mulcahy said her client may have honestly but mistakenly thought the woman was consenting. Nicol countered that consent must be communicated at the time of sex, so "unless Mr. Turnbull had telepathy," it was irrelevant what he thought the woman was thinking if she didn't say yes. A recurring theme in the trial, Nicol said, was Turnbull "consistently and purposely" misinterpreting things that would have been obvious. Earlier in the trial, when Nicol questioned Turnbull about texting the woman after she messaged him saying, "I think I need space," Turnbull responded by saying: "She never said, 'I need space,' she said, 'I think I need space.'" Turnbull said he wasn't clear on what the woman was thinking at the time and didn't think their relationship would be very different going forward, Nicol recounted Tuesday. That "should be very telling," he said, adding it's easy in hindsight so say the woman should have been more direct but understandable why she wasn't. He said often in their relationship, she went along with what Turnbull wanted to keep the peace at work, fearful of getting into trouble for speaking out. Verdict expected in October In her closing arguments, Mulcahy took issue with the complainants' telling of how Turnbull would discuss his mental health. Mulcahy said threats of suicide were introduced on the "eve of trial" to "justify her actions and her conduct" and that it "should be very troubling to the court" that the complainant is "using his disability against him." The woman never mentioned discussions of suicide to the police's professional standards investigation or Ontario's Special Investigations Unit, she said, bringing it up in the first time when she met with the Crown because she needed "spin" to explain why she willingly went to Turnbull's house the instance of the alleged assault. Nicol responded that suicide is a difficult topic for the woman because of a family experience, and denied anyone was weaponizing Turnbull's mental health. He said the officer referenced it to psychologically manipulate his colleague. Campitelli is scheduled to read her verdict on Oct. 3. Ending Violence Association of Canada database.
News.com.au
2 days ago
- News.com.au
Shocking moment cop slaps sunbather amid major crackdown on beach vendors
This is the shocking moment a Spanish police officer slapped a sunbather during a major crackdown on beach vendors. The jaw-dropping footage, captured in the holiday hotspot of Marbellain southern Spain, came as two people were arrested in police operations. The cop, who was wearing a helmet to protect his head, slapped an elderly man twice around the face despite the fact there seemed to be no prior physical provocation. The unidentified holidaymaker appeared to yell 'Hijo de puta' which in English would translate as 'Son of a b***h' before being slapped. Despite the video footage appearing to identify the police officer as the aggressor, the elderly tourist is understood to have been arrested. Stunned tourists looked on in horror as tensions between local police and street vendors in Marbella boiled over. Video clips show confrontations between the cops and vendors playing out. But the viral footage of the policeman slapping a bather is now being reviewed by the authorities. This incident is reported to have happened at around 4pm on Saturday, July 19, at Faro Beach in Marbella. Another holidaymaker in swimming trunks, filmed being surrounded by seven officers and pinned to the ground after a shouting match and a lot of fingerpointing, tried to intervene but also ended up getting arrested. Sources claimed today that one of the detainees threw a bottle at cops. He denies the allegation. An operation against street vendors of counterfeit goods was taking place there at the time of the clips. Other videos of the operation show cops riding around the area on quadbikes. One clip shows a cop riding up on his quadbike to a man carrying handbags on the beach. The man quickly sprints away from the police officer as he dismounts. The police officer stumbles and trips over in the sand as he attempts a pursuit. Other videos show bewildered tourists looking on as a chase is underway. Another appears to show a police officer pushing a man out of a cafe door as he pursues enquiries. Marbella Town Hall has not yet commented on the actions of the police officer seen slapping the tourist filmed insulting him at the weekend. They said the incident had happened during a routine police inspection against itinerant street trading. Police officers on quads are carrying out more regular inspections during the summer in Marbella.
CBS News
2 days ago
- CBS News
Convicted felon arrested in Hemet for impersonating police officer
A convicted felon impersonating a police officer was arrested in Hemet on Monday. Police said that the man, Marshal Goodnight, was riding a motorcycle when he was pulled over after he was seen activating emergency lights and committing several vehicle code violations, said a post on Facebook from the Hemet Police Department. Officers made contact with Goodnight, who they said was "wearing a uniform closely resembling a local law enforcement agency, along with a duty belt and what appeared to be a Glock-style pistol." Goodnight was taken into custody, and officers found that the weapon was actually carrying two fully-functional taser electronic control devices, an ASP baton and a container of OC spray, more commonly known as pepper spray. The uniform, outfitted with patches similar to those seen on Riverside County Sheriff's Department uniforms, displayed badges that read "traffic" and "traffic control." He also had a hat that said "traffic unit" and carried a notepad that said "sheriff" on the front. Officers also found handcuffs and other items that a law enforcement officer would typically carry. His motorcycle, which had flashing emergency lights, was also adorned with "traffic" and "public safety" stickers, and is black-and-white, similar to a traditional law enforcement vehicle. Police found that the suspect is a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing a firearm or related weapons, and that he is not licensed to provide security services through California's Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, the Facebook post said. He was booked on several charges including unlawful taser use and possession, unlawful possession of a leaded cane or baton, unlawful use of tear gas and impersonating a police officer, police said. Locals have expressed some concern over the matter, including what they're supposed to do if the person who they're interacting with isn't actually an officer of the law. "He's wearing a belt with an actual firearm and a taser, so I mean, you would think this guy's legit," said David Luna. "He could have been robbing, he could have been pulling people over unlawfully, and God only knows." Police say that if someone is concerned that they're not speaking to an actual officer, they can call dispatch to verify whether or not they are. People are also advised to pull over in well-lit, highly populated and safe areas and to ask for identification. Anyone who knows more is asked to contact HPD Sergeant Chavez at (951) 765-2400 at extension 3725.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
I'd do it all again, says suspect accused of punching police officer six times
A man accused of assaulting a police officer at Manchester Airport said there was nothing he would change about his behaviour. Muhammad Amaad, 26, is alleged to have used a 'high level of violence' against Pc Zachary Marsden after he and two female colleagues tried to arrest his brother, Mohammed Fahir Amaaz. The Greater Manchester Police officers entered the Terminal 2 car park pay station after reports that a man fitting Mr Amaaz's description had headbutted a member of the public inside the airport just minutes before on July 23 last year. Credit: CPS Under cross-examination on Tuesday, Mr Amaad denied that his use of force was unlawful or offensive, as he said he sought to defend himself and his brother, as he believed they were 'under attack'. Prosecutors say Mr Amaad took hold of Pc Marsden's right arm as the officer restrained Mr Amaaz, 20, and then grabbed Pc Marsden by the throat and neck. The Crown says he went on to push the officer back and down on to a nearby seated area before he punched him six times. Cross-examining on Tuesday, junior counsel Adam Birkby said: 'The prosecution's case is that during the incident at the pay station your use of force was offensive. It was not defensive. Do you agree or disagree?' Mr Amaad said: 'I disagree.' Mr Birkby said: 'And that level of force, in particular the six punches, was unreasonable.' 'No, I disagree,' said the defendant. Mr Birkby said: 'And your use of force was unlawful.' Mr Amaad said: ' I disagree.' Mr Birkby said: 'On reflection ... is there anything about your behaviour that you would change?' 'No,' said Mr Amaad. Mr Amaad has told the jury that he initially sought to defend his younger brother, who he thought was being choked by Pc Marsden. He said he then acted in self-defence to free himself from the grip of Pc Marsden, who he said punched him first. His barrister Chloe Gardner asked: 'Did you believe you was under attack?' Mr Amaad said: 'Absolutely.' Credit: CPS Mr Amaad is alleged to have assaulted Pc Marsden, causing actual bodily harm. Mr Amaaz is alleged to have assaulted Pc Marsden and Pc Lydia Ward, causing them actual bodily harm. He is also accused of the assault of emergency worker Pc Ellie Cook, and the earlier assault of a member of the public, Abdulkareem Ismaeil, at a Starbucks cafe in T2 arrivals. Both men, from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, deny the allegations. The trial continues. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Solve the daily Crossword
The Independent
2 days ago
- The Independent
Ex-Met Pc jailed for inappropriate relationship with girl has sentence tripled
A former Metropolitan Police officer who was jailed for instigating an inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old girl has had his sentence tripled. Che Homersham, 37, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment at Southwark Crown Court in May after admitting to abusing his position as a police constable by attempting to instigate a sexual relationship with the girl. He first met the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, while on duty responding to a domestic incident involving her mother in north London in December 2018, the court heard. Homersham, from Southgate, north London, took the girl's personal details, including her telephone number, and called her the following day saying he needed to take a witness statement. The former officer then drove the girl to the Harrow Viewpoint and asked to kiss her, which she refused. Homersham's initial sentence was increased by 12 months after the Solicitor General, Lucy Rigby KC MP, referred it to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, the Attorney General's Office (AGO) said on Tuesday. Ms Rigby said: 'Homersham abused his position as a police officer – a role that rightly commands public trust – and I welcome the court's decision to increase his sentence.' The former officer's inappropriate relationship continued with the teenager over several years, including by describing sexual fantasies and making sexual advances, the AGO said. This included Homersham sending the girl a text in which he said he was going to 'pick her up from school and make love to her', the court was told. Texts to the victim from Homersham were uncovered when he was arrested for a separate matter in August 2023. Homersham was charged after an investigation by the Met's anti-corruption unit, which started in June 2023 and was carried out under the direction of the Independent Office for Police Conduct. He resigned from the Met in February last year after joining the force in July 2017.
