Police sentenced for assault
Published: 12:35, 16 April 2009
Updated: 12:35, 16 April 2009
Two Kent policemen have been found guilty of assaulting a man they were trying to arrest.
The officers - one a Sergeant - were sentenced yesterday following an investigation.
They now face a disciplinary hearing.
The two, from Medway, were found guilty of assault by Sittingbourne Magistrates, following their arrest in August 2008.
Both men were charged with common assault by beating in October after an investigation into claims the officers had mistreated a man during an arrest in the Medway area.
Sergeant Oliver Tingley and PC Luke Barlow were immediately suspended from duty on their arrest.
Tingley was sentenced to 90 days imprisonment and Barlow to 300 hours community service and £300 costs. Both had earlier denied the charges, but were found guilty last month.
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Harris said: "We expect the highest standards of our officers and staff and aim to serve Kent with the commitment and dedication our community deserve.
"No-one is above the law and this case shows that Kent Police treats everyone equally. These officers have failed to maintain the professional standards that we expect."
The man involved was originally arrested on suspicion of robbery. He was released without charge.
The two officers now face a disciplinary hearing conducted by Kent Police's professional standards department.
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