A Wiltshire police officer has admitted to assaulting a 13-year-old boy in a police station car park early one morning.
PC Daniel Rusling, 30, was involved in an incident outside Monkton Park Police Station in Chippenham around 3 a.m. on October 14, 2025. The boy was among six children who had called 999, reporting they were threatened by individuals in a nearby vehicle.
During the encounter, PC Rusling repeatedly pushed the boy with both hands—six times in total—and dragged him by his clothing when the boy stood in front of the officer’s police car. Additionally, the officer swore at the boy when he asked for a ride home.
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The force used by PC Rusling was deemed unlawful, leading to a charge of assault by beating. He appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on May 21 and entered a guilty plea. The case is scheduled to continue on June 30.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is actively investigating the matter following a mandatory referral from Wiltshire Police. An accelerated gross misconduct hearing for PC Rusling will also take place.
Deputy Chief Constable Mark Cooper acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “As police officers, our primary role is to protect the most vulnerable in our communities. Clearly, this officer’s actions betray those principles.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining the investigation’s integrity while remaining committed to keeping the public informed.