Police officer jailed for assaulting man during stop and search in Park Royal

A police officer has been jailed for beating up a man during a stop and search in Park Royal.

PC Matthew Harries, 36, who is based in Ealing, hit Justin Small in the face and kneed him after stopping him on suspicion of possessing drugs in a car park on April 5 last year.

Mr Small complained to the Independent Police Complaints Commission about and an investigation was launched by the Directorate of Professional Standards.

The Crown Prosecution service subsequently charged him with Actual Bodily Harm which he denied.

Today at Southwark Crown Court he was found guilty and jailed for six months.

DPS Detective Chief Superintendent Alaric Bonthron said: “Where an officer’s behaviour falls short of the very high standards that we and the public expect of them then it is only right that they are held to account for their actions.

“The actions of one officer abusing his position in this way can cast a shadow over the thousands of officers who are on duty right now demonstrating bravery, compassion, integrity and professionalism.

“There is no place in the Metropolitan Police Service for officers and staff who do not uphold our values.”

PC Harries is currently suspended and now faces the sack once a forthcoming disciplinary hearing takes place.