“I Feared For My Life” – Cop Faces GBH Charges After Taser Chase Leaves Burglar Paralyzed
A Metropolitan Police officer is in deep legal trouble after a 2022 Taser chase that left a suspected burglar tetraplegic and wheelchair-bound. The shocking incident unfolded in Woodford Green, East London.
High-Speed Pursuit Ends in Devastation
PC Liam Newman, 31, denies grievous bodily harm charges at Southwark Crown Court. It all kicked off when police raced to a 999 call reporting a break-in at a Coral bookmakers. Newman and a colleague chased 61-year-old Leonard Sandiford, who tried escaping in a van.
In a police interview read out in court, Newman revealed he hit the van’s side window with his baton as it revved dangerously close. “I was really scared,” he said. “I feared for my life as the suspect tried to run me over.”
Why Did the Officer Fire His Taser?
Sandiford then bolted on foot. Newman said chasing him was the only way to protect nearby residents, including children and elderly people. “The only tactical option was to activate my Taser,” the officer told investigators.
The first Taser shot failed. On the second, as Sandiford climbed near a shed, he tumbled six feet, suffering catastrophic spinal injuries.
Is PC Newman Guilty of Unlawful Force?
Newman insists he thought the ground was flat when he fired and never expected Sandiford to fall. He rushed to give first aid as soon as the suspect hit the ground.
“The use of the Taser was unreasonable given the suspect’s elevated position,” prosecutors claim. The defence contends Newman acted to stop a dangerous criminal who had already used a vehicle as a weapon.
The entire drama lasted mere minutes. Now, the cop risks losing both his badge and freedom. Jurors must decide: did he properly use force, or cross a line?
Stay tuned as this high-stakes trial unfolds. Frontline officers and emergency service vets will be tracking every twist to bring you expert updates.
The “New Normal” – Officers Facing Criminal Charges for On-Duty Actions
PC Newman’s case is far from alone. It highlights a worrying trend of cops being prosecuted for doing the job they’re trained to do. This trial shines a harsh light on the daily dangers and legal risks our frontline officers face.