Two officers from Sussex Police have been charged following an incident where a 93-year-old disabled man was assaulted at a care home in St Leonards-on-Sea, with the case now proceeding to criminal court.
Two officers from Sussex Police, Pc Stephen Smith, 50, and Pc Rachel Comotto, 34, have been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm following an incident involving a 93-year-old disabled man at a care home in St Leonards-on-Sea. The man, identified as Donald Burgess, was reportedly threatening staff with a knife on June 21, 2022, leading to the police response.
During the incident, various methods of force including a Taser, spray, handcuffs, and a baton were used on Mr. Burgess, who subsequently died in hospital three weeks later. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) conducted an investigation into the matter, which was initiated by a voluntary referral from Sussex Police in June 2022. The investigation, which concluded with findings passed to the Crown Prosecution Service in June 2023, did not find a direct link between the officers’ actions and Mr. Burgess’s death.
Pc Smith has been charged with two counts of actual bodily harm, while Pc Comotto faces one count. Both officers are set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on April 25. IOPC Director Mel Palmer expressed condolences to Mr. Burgess’s family and all affected, as the case proceeds to criminal court for further proceedings.
