PC Daniel Rusling of Wiltshire Police has been sentenced following an incident in which he assaulted a 13-year-old boy at the Monkton Park Police station car park in Chippenham. The boy, part of a group who had called 999 reporting threats from a vehicle’s occupants, asked for a lift home. Instead, PC Rusling responded with aggressive behavior, swearing at the boy multiple times, pushing him six times, and dragging him by his jumper toward the car park exit.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation after a mandatory referral from Wiltshire Police. Rusling admitted to one count of assault by beating and was sentenced at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on June 30 to an eight-week prison term, suspended for 12 months, alongside 150 hours of unpaid work.
IOPC Director of Engagement Derrick Campbell described Rusling’s conduct as disproportionate and unacceptable. While initial action to move the boy from in front of the police car was justified, his continuous aggressive language and physical actions were not. Rusling also appeared to provoke the teenager by saying, “come on then, you wanna go,” during the interaction. The boy had identified himself as missing from home and was in school uniform at the time. There was no attempt to de-escalate the tension, and the judge noted the persistence and prolonged nature of Rusling’s behavior.
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Wiltshire Police Deputy Chief Constable Mark Cooper issued a direct apology to the victim, his family, and the community, emphasizing that PC Rusling’s actions do not represent the force. He highlighted the criminal nature of the officer’s conduct and reiterated the force’s commitment to removing individuals who behave in such a manner and restoring trust within the community. PC Rusling will face a gross misconduct hearing as part of ongoing disciplinary proceedings.
This case underscores the importance of appropriate police conduct, especially when dealing with vulnerable young people seeking protection and assistance from law enforcement.