Officer acquitted of assault following incident in 2022

A Met officer has been found not guilty of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm following an incident in Redbridge in 2022.

PC Liam Newman, 31, was acquitted on Tuesday, 13 January following a trial at Southwark Crown Court.

The acquittal follows an incident on 24 April 2022 in Chigwell Road, Woodford Green during which 61-year-old Leonard Sandiford suffered life-changing injuries when he fell from an outbuilding after being Tasered by PC Newman.

PC Newman - who is based on the East Area Command - had pleaded not guilty on 20 November 2024 to grievous bodily harm, following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, who is responsible for policing in Redbridge, said: “Our thoughts today are with Mr Sandiford who has been left with life-changing injuries following this tragic incident. It is always a matter of huge regret when an individual comes to harm following contact with police and vital that in such circumstances officers be held to the highest level of scrutiny. They face challenging situations everyday and have to make difficult decisions in the moment.

“We understand the concern caused by incidents of this nature and will be working with our local residents, partner agencies, and key members of those communities directly affected to understand any impact and provide support. We believe that Taser remains a vital tool but will continue to review its use and provide regular training to officers to ensure they are using the tactic appropriately.”

PC Newman has been on restricted duties since the incident. Now that criminal matters have concluded, we will liaise with the IOPC around misconduct proceedings.