A police officer has been acquitted of assault charges after using a Taser on a suspected burglar who subsequently fell from a wall, sustaining severe injuries. Leonard Sandiford, aged 61, fell from a building when he was tasered by police constable Liam Newman in east London. Pc Newman, aged 31, employed by the Metropolitan Police, was found not guilty of causing grievous bodily harm by assault following a trial at Southwark Crown Court.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, responsible for policing in Redbridge, expressed sympathy for Mr. Sandiford, who suffered life-altering injuries in the incident. He emphasized the importance of holding officers accountable at the highest level of scrutiny in situations where individuals are harmed during police encounters. Bell acknowledged the challenging decisions that officers face daily and the regret when harm befalls civilians.
The incident occurred when Mr. Sandiford, fleeing from the police in the early hours of April 24, 2022, climbed onto a building after reaching a dead-end in a cul-de-sac. Pc Newman, along with another officer, had responded to a report of an attempted burglary at a bookmaker in Chigwell Road, Woodford Green.
During the pursuit, Mr. Sandiford was tasered and fell from a height of approximately 5 to 6 feet, resulting in a spinal cord injury that left him tetraplegic and reliant on a wheelchair, as stated by jurors. Following an inquiry by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), Pc Newman, serving in the East Area Command, pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm on November 20, 2024, according to the Met Police.
Chief Superintendent Bell reassured the community of ongoing support and collaboration with local residents, agencies, and affected community members to address any concerns arising from such incidents. While emphasizing the importance of Tasers as a crucial tool, Bell highlighted the continuous evaluation of their use and the provision of regular training to ensure appropriate deployment by officers.
Pc Newman has been on limited duties since the incident, with the Met planning to coordinate with the IOPC regarding potential misconduct proceedings. In the final arguments, the prosecutor criticized Newman’s actions as stemming from a desire to prevent Mr. Sandiford’s escape rather than genuine safety concerns, labeling it as “lazy policing.” In defense, counsel Kevin Baumber portrayed Newman as a public servant acting with legitimate intentions, devoid of personal motives or gains.
Newman’s body-worn camera footage was presented, showing the events leading to the Taser deployment. Newman maintained that he believed Mr. Sandiford posed a significant risk, justifying his actions as a means to protect himself and others. The officer denied claims of negligence or indifference towards the suspect’s safety, emphasizing his duty to mitigate potential threats posed by individuals involved in criminal activities.
