A police officer has admitted to assaulting a 13-year-old boy in the car park of a police station in Chippenham. PC Daniel Rusling of Wiltshire Police repeatedly pushed and dragged the child by his clothing during an incident outside Monkton Park Police Station at around 3 a.m. on October 14, 2025.
The boy was part of a group of six children who had called 999 after allegedly being threatened by occupants of a vehicle in the park. When the boy requested a lift home, PC Rusling swore at him and aggressively pushed him six times with both hands. The officer also dragged the boy towards the police car by his clothing when the child stood in front of the vehicle.
The force used by PC Rusling was deemed unlawful, leading to a charge of assault by beating. The officer, aged 30, appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court on May 21 and pleaded guilty. The case has been adjourned until June 30.
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The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) continues to investigate following a mandatory referral by Wiltshire Police. An accelerated gross misconduct hearing has been scheduled.
Deputy Chief Constable Mark Cooper expressed regret over the incident, emphasizing the commitment to protect vulnerable community members. He stated, “This officer’s actions have gone against everything we stand for,” and assured that updates would be provided while preserving the integrity of the ongoing investigation.