Two police officers, Pc Stephen Smith and Pc Rachel Comotto, were acquitted of assault charges relating to their use of a Taser and synthetic pepper spray on a 92-year-old man, Donald Burgess, at his care home. The jury delivered their verdict after it was revealed that Burgess was delirious from a urinary tract infection at the time of the incident, which contributed to his unusual behavior of threatening staff with a knife. The court accepted that the actions taken by the officers were necessary given the circumstances.
The jurors unanimously found both officers not guilty, concluding their use of force was warranted given the circumstances surrounding Mr. Burgess's threatening behavior.
Judge Christopher Hehir emphasized that Mr. Burgess's concerning actions were likely due to delirium caused by a urinary tract infection, altering the perception of his threat.
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