A Metropolitan Police officer has been acquitted of assault after using a Taser on a suspected burglar, who later fell from a wall and became tetraplegic.

PC Liam Newman, age 31, was found not guilty of committing assault resulting in grievous bodily harm during a trial held at Southwark Crown Court.

The incident involved 61-year-old Leonard Sandiford, who now requires a wheelchair for mobility. According to court accounts, he was fleeing from police in the Woodford Green area of east London when he reached a dead end, climbed atop an outbuilding, and subsequently fell after being Tasered on April 24, 2022.

Newman had denied the charges related to grievous bodily harm, which had been investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell expressed sympathy for Mr. Sandiford, acknowledging the life-altering injuries he sustained from this unfortunate event.

He stated, “It is profoundly regrettable when anyone suffers harm during an encounter with the police, and it is crucial that officers are subjected to the utmost scrutiny in these cases. They often confront challenging situations daily and must make tough decisions in the heat of the moment.”

Bell also acknowledged the anxiety that such incidents may provoke, assuring that while they consider the Taser a vital tool, its usage will continue to be evaluated, and regular training will be provided to ensure officers apply the technique correctly.

The Metropolitan Police mentioned that Newman had been performing restricted duties since the incident. Now that the criminal case has concluded, the department plans to coordinate with the IOPC regarding the potential for misconduct proceedings.