Met officer convicted of assault

A serving officer has been convicted of assaulting a man suffering a mental health crisis after he sprayed him with PAVA and struck him multiple with a baton while he was already restrained.

PC Rhys Walmer, attached to the East Area Basic Command Unit, was convicted on Thursday, 15 May of causing assault by beating and administering a noxious substance (PAVA) with intent to injure/aggrieve/annoy following a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

He will be sentenced at the same court on Monday, 14 July.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, in charge of policing for the East Area Basic Command Unit, said: “The level of force used by PC Walmer was not proportionate or necessary and his actions have been subject to proper scrutiny and accountability through the legal process.

“I would like to thank the hospital staff for quite rightly raising their concerns with the officer’s supervisor. All officers must be held account for their actions, especially when it comes to use of force. Those found to be using excessive use of force, like PC Walmer, will be brought to justice.”

The court heard that on 3 August 2022, officers from the East Area Basic Command Unit were on hospital guard at an east London hospital for a man who had been arrested and subsequently sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

He was at hospital awaiting an assessment and had been placed in handcuffs, limb restraints and a spit guard.

The victim appeared to be resisting officers and as he attempted to stand up, Walmer deployed his PAVA into his face.

As officers continued to restrain the victim, Walmer delivered multiple strikes with his baton to his right arm and leg – despite the victim already being restrained by three officers and being in limb restraints, handcuffs and a spit guard.

Due to the level of force used by Walmer, hospital staff raised their concerns with a police supervisor. They carried out enquiries and the incident was passed to the local Policing Standard Unit, which referred it to the Directorate of Professional Standards.

Following a thorough investigation, Walmer was charged by postal requisition on 21 June 2024 and was convicted as above.

Walmer was placed on restricted duties in November 2022.

Now that criminal proceedings have taken place, Walmer will face a misconduct hearing at the earliest opportunity.