A Wiltshire Police officer who assaulted a 13-year-old boy who called 999 for help has pleaded guilty at Bristol Magistrates Court.
PC Daniel Rusling repeatedly pushed the teen and dragged him by his clothing during an altercation outside Monkton Park Police Station in Chippenham.
The incident happened at around 3am on 14 October last year – after the child had called the police on 999 to report being threatened by the occupants of a vehicle.
PC Rusling swore at the boy when he asked for a lift home and pushed him aggressively with both hands a total of six times.
He pulled him by his clothing towards the exit, in response to him standing in front of his police car.
The assault was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), who secured a charge of assault by beating.
PC Rusling pleaded guilty at Bristol Magistrates Court on Thursday (21 May). The case was adjourned for sentencing on 30 June.
An IOPC spokesperson said: “We decided to independently investigate the matter following a mandatory conduct referral to us by Wiltshire Police on 28 October last year.
“A file of evidence was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on 4 April and on 8 April they authorised one charge of assault by beating.
“Our conduct investigation continues.”
Deputy Chief Constable Mark Cooper, of Wiltshire Police, added: “I fully appreciate the impact this case will have on our communities.
“As police officers, our primary function is to protect those most vulnerable in our communities. Clearly, this officer’s actions have gone against everything we stand for.
“It is important that we preserve the integrity of the ongoing, independent investigation, but I am committed to keeping our communities updated on this matter.”
