A law enforcement officer has been acquitted of wrongdoing after using a Taser on a suspected intruder who subsequently fell from a structure, sustaining severe injuries. Leonard Sandiford, aged 61, plummeted from a building when he was tasered by police constable Liam Newman in east London, as detailed in a trial. Nevertheless, Pc Newman, aged 31 from the Metropolitan Police, was cleared of assault causing grievous bodily harm on Tuesday following a trial at Southwark Crown Court.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, who oversees policing in Redbridge, expressed sympathy for Mr. Sandiford, emphasizing the regret over his life-altering injuries resulting from the unfortunate incident. He stressed the importance of holding officers accountable to the highest standards when individuals are harmed during police interactions, acknowledging the challenging decisions officers face daily.
During the early hours of April 24, 2022, Mr. Sandiford was fleeing from the police and climbed an outbuilding in a dead-end street before being tasered by Pc Newman, who was responding to an attempted burglary report in Woodford Green. Subsequently, Mr. Sandiford fell from a 5ft to 6ft height, sustaining a spinal cord injury, which left him tetraplegic and reliant on a wheelchair.
After an inquiry by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), Pc Newman, assigned to the East Area Command, pleaded not guilty on November 20, 2024, to causing grievous bodily harm, as stated by the Met Police.
Acknowledging community concerns, Chief Superintendent Bell affirmed plans to collaborate with local residents, partners, and affected community members to assess repercussions and provide necessary assistance. While recognizing the significance of Tasers as a crucial tool, the police will continuously review their deployment and provide ongoing training to ensure appropriate use by officers.
Pc Newman has been on limited duties since the incident, according to the Metropolitan Police. Following the resolution of criminal matters, discussions will be held with the IOPC regarding potential misconduct proceedings, as stated by a police spokesperson.
In concluding statements, prosecutor Irshad Sheikh criticized the officer for using the Taser not out of fear for safety but to prevent Mr. Sandiford from escaping, describing it as a case of “lazy policing.” Defense counsel Kevin Baumber defended Newman’s actions, highlighting his commitment to public service and absence of personal gain or malice.
The jury viewed body-worn camera footage showing the sequence of events, with Newman justifying his actions based on perceived threats to his safety and the safety of others. He expressed his belief that Mr. Sandiford posed a significant risk and emphasized his duty to protect himself and others in the situation.
The article concludes with details on the video evidence presented during the trial, Newman’s perception of the circumstances, and his denial of the prosecution’s claims of negligence or indifference in his actions. The officer maintained that his primary concern was safety and justified his use of force based on the perceived threat level posed by the suspect.