UK Police Clear of Assault After Pepper-Spraying, Tasering 92-Year-Old Amputee
Sussex police officers Stephen Smith and Rachel Comotto were acquitted on assault charges stemming from a June 2022 incident involving a 92-year-old care home resident, Donald Burgess. The officers used pepper spray and a taser on Burgess, who was wielding a knife and exhibiting aggressive behavior due to a previously undiagnosed urinary tract infection. The jury found the force used, though significant, was not excessive given the circumstances. Despite the not-guilty verdicts, both officers will face internal gross misconduct proceedings regarding their actions.
John Q. Hosedrinker