Just saw a youth being grabbed by a police officer.

A "hard kick" which rendered the man unable to stand up properly?? How on earth can you say that is without malice? OK he might get the book thrown at him because it was a police officer, but I think he should been treated equally harshly for assaulting any member of the public.

Why was the youth grabbed by a police officer? You have left out some essential information, Frank. Police officers don't grab youths for nothing.

Have you volunteered to make witness statement Frank?

gracesmum

If the youth had done nothing wrong before the incident he may have thought the police officer was a mugger or was assaulting him.

Bags

I don't know why the youth was grabbed by the police officer.
By virtue of the fact he did not run away as soon as he knew the person was a police officer it may be the police got the wrong person.

Frank

Jane

I was not asked to make a witness statement.
There were cameras pointing at the incident.

Frank

Do you know the youth personally, or are you sure he does not have convictions, or was not being apprehended for breaching bail or a court/prison order, Frank? In my experience youths who have committed offences tend to know the local CID and he could have been resisting arrest. If the officer had not identified himself, he'll be able to plead self defence, unless he was avoiding being apprehended.

whenim64

I don't know the youth personally but going by logic if any of the things you said applied I would have thought he would have ran off.

I noticed the youth was wearing a blue T shirt and jeans.
When I was walking back to the car I noticed 3 others who fitted that description.

I was wearing a black T shirt and jeans.

Frank

Lots of young offenders know that you don't assault a police officer if he has identified himself or is in uniform, but a kick in the genitals when the officer has not identified himself comes as a 'free gift'! It'll be on Facebook by now!

whenim64

He kicked the officer at knee level.
I would not be surprised if the officer had to go to the hospital and I think it is almost certain the officer will need some time off work.
When you see these sort of incidents you realise why the police lose so much time due to sickness and injury.

Frank

Yes, officers get lots of injuries, Frank. Most responsible young men would not aim a kick at anyone if they were challenged, especially in broad daylight.

whenim64

I would mainly agree with you and I would generally support the police.
If however an appeal for witnesses were made I would witness that the officer had not identified himself.

Probably the youth may complain that the officer assaulted him if the incident went to court but I doubt if he would get very far.

If it is found eventually the youth thought he was being assaulted it may be best if no action is taken if he has no convictions and is not wanted for anything.

Frank

When you say "grabbed", what exactly do you mean? Did the officer put a hand on the youth's shoulder, or was it a rugby tackle, or something in between?

Bags

He grabbed hold of the youths shirt so you could say it was something in between.
I don't think the shirt was damaged but it did look like one I had seen in Marks and Spencers.
If it is damaged the youth or his parents may try to claim for it.
I think those shirts are about £20.

Frank

I'm feeling strangely weary.....

....I saw a shirt in Marks and Spencers once.....!

Going to lie down for a while; I may be some time....

I have got several Marks and Spencers shirts.

Frank

"man at Blue Harbour"?

But then, I am usually on these threads.

Galen "Blue Harbour" is the male equivalent of M&S "Classic" range for women. Nuff said!

Definitely!

Is it like 'Man at C&A'?

Just when you think it's safe........