Dorset Police have released footage of PC Lorne Castle who “behaved aggressively and used unreasonable force” while arresting a boy, 15, to combat “misinformation” following his dismissal
A police officer was heard shouting and swearing at a 15-year-old boy in a video released after his dismissal for behaving “aggressively” and using “unreasonable force”.
PC Lorne Castle lost his job after a disciplinary hearing held by Dorset Police following the incident in Bournemouth town centre on January 27, 2024. The two-minute clip, released by the force on Tuesday, shows the officer tackling the boy to the ground before taking hold of the teenager’s face and throat while repeatedly swearing and shouting at him. The boy can be heard shouting and crying “what have I done” and “what did I do” before the officer shouts “stop screaming like a little b****, do you understand that? Shut up.”
The teenager also screams “my f****** neck, get off me, I don’t want you on me”, while PC Castle is on top of him. The officer later shouts “stop resisting or I’m gonna smash you, do you understand?” and says the boy is being arrested on suspicion of assault.
In a statement, Dorset Police said they had chosen to release the body-worn video because of the “high level of public interest in the outcome of the misconduct hearing locally and to challenge misinformation.” PC Castle previously admitted misconduct in relation to breaching the standards of professional behaviour relating to authority, respect and courtesy, conduct and use of force but denied gross misconduct, the force added.
However, an independent panel found that the breaches amounted to gross misconduct and PC Castle was dismissed without notice. The video formed part of the evidence reviewed by the panel during the three-day hearing which concluded on May 29.
A knife was found around four-minutes into PC Castle’s interaction with the boy, after he had been put in handcuffs, Dorset Police said. The force added that the officer had been responding to information that the teenager may have been involved in an earlier suspected assault, but at no time was there any suggestion that a knife had been used.
No further action was taken against the boy in relation to the reported assaults and he was issued with an out of court disposal for possessing the knife, according to police. During a misconduct hearing, PC Castle admitted he was too aggressive in his language and broke down in tears.
“I’m embarrassed by the video and I apologise for my actions,” he said. “Anyone who knows me in public or private life knows that is not how I behave. When he started screaming and resisting I panicked and became overwhelmed.
“I did not choke the suspect and I did not get him in a headlock. I was trying to keep his head still with the palm of my hand so he did not hit his head. I did not put my full weight on him as my knees were on the concrete. I only applied enough weight to keep his body still.”
The award-winning officer went on: “During the arrest I saw the knife fall out of his waistband so he was arrested for a knife offence. I think the arrest needed to be made but I lost control of the situation.”
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said: “I understand the strength of feeling in this case and it is right to be open and transparent about what the independent panel saw, alongside other evidence and testimony. We are sharing body worn video to address concerns about misinformation and to reassure the public that, while tackling crime in Dorset, our officers will continue to be proactive and robust – but by using their powers proportionately and with respect.
“Tackling violence, knife crime and antisocial behaviour are absolutely our priorities. At times our officers are required to use force to affect the arrest of suspects, prevent offences and protect the public, their colleagues and themselves.
“I have the utmost respect for the vast majority of officers, who have to use force when making an arrest and do so appropriately and with professionalism, even when they are exposed to risk and violence. They do a tough job and when their actions are proportionate, necessary and reasonable they will always be supported.”
In a statement Dorset Police Federation criticised Dorset Police’s decision to release the footage, saying the force had done so “without also providing context or balance”. The federation added: “Our view is that the showing of selective clips of an officer’s body worn video is not a useful or responsible way to properly inform the public about an incident – and only serves to entice the public into making judgments without having the benefit of all the facts. This is not fair or just. “
The formal written outcome of the hearing will be published at a later date. PC Castle will also be placed on the police barred list, preventing him from holding any future role in policing. PC Castle has twice won a national bravery award including one for saving an elderly woman from drowning in a swollen river in 2023.
Since being dismissed, former Dorset Police Chief Inspector Chris Amey has set up a fundraiser to support PC Castle which has raised nearly £34,000. The GoFundMe page read: “Lorne tackled a violent , knife carrying offender who’d just assaulted an elderly male and a 14 year old boy and instead of commending him, Dorset Police throw him under the bus.”