A POLICE officer is due to stand trial for allegedly assaulting a teenager.

PC Jonathan Booth, of Bromley police, is said to have used excessive force

on a 17-year-old boy in a police holding room in The Glades Shopping Centre,

in Bromley High Street.

The 44-year-old officer appeared before magistrates dressed in a suit and

tie.

He confirmed his name, and his address was given as Bromley police station.

He is believed to live in Kent.

PC Booth then pleaded not guilty to one charge of common assault by beating.

The alleged offence relates to an incident on the afternoon of May 24 last year.

The youth was subsequently released without charge and is not due to give

evidence against PC Booth.

The officer was removed from front line duty after the incident and Bromley

police referred the investigation to the Met's directorate of professional

standards.

PC Booth has served with Bromley police since December 1999.

He joined the Met in 1985 and was stationed in various parts of south east

London.