PC sacked over teen arrest gives notice of appeal

A police officer who threatened to "smash" a teenager during an arrest has given notice he intends to appeal against his sacking for gross misconduct.

PC Lorne Castle, 46, was dismissed for holding a 15-year-old boy's throat and swearing at him in Bournemouth in January 2024.

Dorset Police released body-worn camera footage of the incident, in which the boy was arrested on suspicion of assault.

Speaking to the BBC after his dismissal, the father of three said he "was not proud" of the arrest, but at the time he reacted from "fear".

In May, an independent panel found PC Castle's actions amounted to gross misconduct and he was dismissed without notice.

The panel found he did not treat the teenager with courtesy or respect, and that his shouting, swearing, finger pointing, taking hold of the boy's face and throat, and suggesting the use of leg restraints were not necessary, proportionate or reasonable.

In a statement, Dorset Police Federation said: "Dorset Police have been provided with notification of the intention to appeal against the outcome of the gross misconduct hearing.

"Lorne continues to be overwhelmed by the many messages of support he has received from all sections of the community as well as from former and serving colleagues.

"He and his family have been extremely touched and are very grateful to all those who have assisted them through this difficult time."

In a previous BBC interview, the former officer said the language he used during the arrest was "out of character".

"There was fear of the unknown, fear of the people around," he said.

"In a perfect world, I can look back and say 'I hold my hands up' and say 'That's not the me I want everyone to see.'

"I'm not proud of it. But at the time it came out of fear. It was said, whether it was right or wrong, in an effort to keep everyone safe."

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