A Wiltshire Police officer received a suspended prison term for assaulting a 13-year-old boy while on duty. PC Daniel Rusling, a response officer, admitted to one count of assault by beating in connection to an incident that occurred in Chippenham on October 14 of the previous year.
During the sentencing at Bristol Magistrates’ Court, Rusling was given an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was directed to carry out unpaid work. The assault transpired outside Monkton Park police station in the early hours of October 14 after the boy, part of a group of six children, dialed 999 seeking assistance, claiming they had been threatened by individuals in a vehicle.
Footage from a body-worn camera revealed Rusling using offensive language towards the boy, who was in his school uniform, and forcefully pushing him multiple times. Fortunately, the child did not sustain any injuries.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigated the case, overseeing both the criminal proceedings and the misconduct inquiry. Wiltshire Police’s Deputy Chief Constable Mark Cooper expressed regret towards the victim, his family, and the other children involved, acknowledging the failure to meet their expectations.
Cooper condemned Rusling’s behavior as criminal, emphasizing the officer’s neglect of his duty to safeguard a vulnerable individual. He reassured that such actions do not align with the values of Wiltshire Police and vowed to address and eliminate any similar behaviors within the force.
An expedited gross misconduct hearing awaits Rusling to further address the matter.