A Metropolitan Police officer, PC Jonathan Marsh, was dismissed for assaulting a medical worker he mistakenly identified as a suspect. During a call about a damaged sign, Marsh erroneously punched Rasike Attanayake, who had alerted authorities. Marsh received a 12-week suspended sentence after being convicted of common assault. His actions, described by a police superintendent as excessive and regrettable, highlight serious accountability standards for police forces regarding the use of force on civilians.
All police officers know they will be held to account for any use of force, and any use of force must be reasonable. On this occasion, PC Marsh went beyond the level of force necessary and it is right that he has to face the consequences of his actions.
This incident should not have happened and it is a matter of profound regret that an innocent member of the public was injured in this way.
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