Yahoo News PC convicted after drunkenly trying to arrest member of public
A serving police officer who aggressively tried to arrest a member of the public while drunk and off duty has been convicted.
PC Stephen Maskell, 44, based on the North East Command Unit, appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Monday where he was sentenced to a 12 week community order and a 12 week curfew.
He was also ordered to pay compensation of £500 to the victim and to pay court costs of £635.
The conviction comes weeks after he was found guilty at the same court for assault by beating and of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm and distress to another person.
The charges relate to an incident which took place on July 5 last year.
Maskell had identified himself as a police officer to a member of the public before grabbing the man and telling him he was detaining him for a search, despite being off duty and having no grounds to do so.
The 44-year-old was “heavily intoxicated” in Charlton Road, North West London, police said.
He was also abusive towards a resident who came into the street to see what was happening.
The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards was made aware of the incident and Maskell was placed on restricted duties.
Superintendent Waheed Khan, from the North East Command Unit, said: “The high standards we expect from our officers apply equally when they are off duty.
“PC Maskell’s actions on this night were unacceptable. Misconduct proceedings will now take place following the conclusion of this court case.”
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