Menu
08/09/2010
Police Officer Jailed For Cell Assault
A police officer who injured a woman in an assault in a police cell has been jailed for six months.
Sergeant Mark Andrews, 37, was captured on CCTV dragging 59-year-old Pamela Somerville across the floor of Melksham police station in Wiltshire, before shoving her into a cell.
Andrews was convicted of assault causing actual bodily harm during a trial at Oxford Magistrates Court in July.
He had been suspended on full pay following the incident, which happened in on July 4 2008.
Ms Somerville had been arrested after being found asleep in her car and failing to provide a sample for a breath test.
The CCTV footage showed Ms Somerville lying on the floor after incident, before struggling to get to her feet. Blood was also seen pouring from a head wound.
She was taken to Royal United Hospital in Bath, where she required stitches to a wound above her eye.
Commenting on the case, Assistant Chief Constable Patrick Geenty said: "We are extremely concerned when anyone is injured whilst in our custody and the court has decided that this injury was a result of a criminal assault by Sergeant Mark Andrews, a member of Wiltshire Police who was performing duty as a Custody Sergeant at the time. Wiltshire Police has formally apologised to the injured lady for the assault she suffered whilst in our care.
"People have a right to expect that the police will always act by placing the safety and welfare of the public as their first priority. This is particularly so when in police custody when, irrespective of the reason for their detention, people should feel and be safe.
"This incident should not have happened and I am very sorry that we let this lady down."
(KMcA/GK)
Sergeant Mark Andrews, 37, was captured on CCTV dragging 59-year-old Pamela Somerville across the floor of Melksham police station in Wiltshire, before shoving her into a cell.
Andrews was convicted of assault causing actual bodily harm during a trial at Oxford Magistrates Court in July.
He had been suspended on full pay following the incident, which happened in on July 4 2008.
Ms Somerville had been arrested after being found asleep in her car and failing to provide a sample for a breath test.
The CCTV footage showed Ms Somerville lying on the floor after incident, before struggling to get to her feet. Blood was also seen pouring from a head wound.
She was taken to Royal United Hospital in Bath, where she required stitches to a wound above her eye.
Commenting on the case, Assistant Chief Constable Patrick Geenty said: "We are extremely concerned when anyone is injured whilst in our custody and the court has decided that this injury was a result of a criminal assault by Sergeant Mark Andrews, a member of Wiltshire Police who was performing duty as a Custody Sergeant at the time. Wiltshire Police has formally apologised to the injured lady for the assault she suffered whilst in our care.
"People have a right to expect that the police will always act by placing the safety and welfare of the public as their first priority. This is particularly so when in police custody when, irrespective of the reason for their detention, people should feel and be safe.
"This incident should not have happened and I am very sorry that we let this lady down."
(KMcA/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 April 2011
British Man Dies In Dubai Police Custody
A British man has died in police custody in Dubai. Lee Bradley Brown, 39, from east London, died on Tuesday after he was taken to a Dubai police station where he was allegedly assaulted and put into a cell. It has been reported that Mr Brown, was arrested over a row at the luxury hotel Burj Al Arab hotel.
British Man Dies In Dubai Police Custody
A British man has died in police custody in Dubai. Lee Bradley Brown, 39, from east London, died on Tuesday after he was taken to a Dubai police station where he was allegedly assaulted and put into a cell. It has been reported that Mr Brown, was arrested over a row at the luxury hotel Burj Al Arab hotel.
09 November 2012
Police Officer Reinstated After Assaulting Woman
A police officer has been reinstated into the force after being found guilty of causing actual bodily harm to a 60-year-old woman. Sgt Mark Andrews was jailed for six months in 2010 after he was caught on CCTV dragging Pamela Somerville across the floor of Melksham police station and throwing her into a cell.
Police Officer Reinstated After Assaulting Woman
A police officer has been reinstated into the force after being found guilty of causing actual bodily harm to a 60-year-old woman. Sgt Mark Andrews was jailed for six months in 2010 after he was caught on CCTV dragging Pamela Somerville across the floor of Melksham police station and throwing her into a cell.
19 September 2014
IPCC Confirm Four Officers Facing Investigation Related To Savile Case
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) have said that four officers with Sussex police are being investigated in connection with the Jimmy Savile case.
IPCC Confirm Four Officers Facing Investigation Related To Savile Case
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) have said that four officers with Sussex police are being investigated in connection with the Jimmy Savile case.
18 February 2015
Man Arrested Over Sexual Assault In Somerset
Police investigating a sexual assault in Somerset, during which a mother and child were tied up and held at knifepoint, have arrested a 59-year-old man. Police arrested the man on suspicion of aggravated burglary and sexual assault, in connection with the incident in Sydenham, Bridgewater on 21 January.
Man Arrested Over Sexual Assault In Somerset
Police investigating a sexual assault in Somerset, during which a mother and child were tied up and held at knifepoint, have arrested a 59-year-old man. Police arrested the man on suspicion of aggravated burglary and sexual assault, in connection with the incident in Sydenham, Bridgewater on 21 January.
17 April 2008
Former Minister Held After Alleged Assault
A former Welsh Office Minister has been arrested following an alleged assault on a Conservative party canvasser. Rod Richards, 61, a former Clwyd West MP has been accused of attacking the party worker who was canvassing door-to-door on Wednesday evening. He was held over night at Cardiff’s Fairwater Police Station for questioning.
Former Minister Held After Alleged Assault
A former Welsh Office Minister has been arrested following an alleged assault on a Conservative party canvasser. Rod Richards, 61, a former Clwyd West MP has been accused of attacking the party worker who was canvassing door-to-door on Wednesday evening. He was held over night at Cardiff’s Fairwater Police Station for questioning.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloudy with longer spells of rain during the morning, this rain heavy at times. Generally brighter in the afternoon, but with scattered and at times heavy showers. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A mainly dry evening and night with isolated showers dying out and some longer clear spells. Then it will cloud over towards morning with some heavy showers. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
