Officer guilty of assaulting woman during arrest

A police officer has been found guilty of assaulting a woman during an arrest.

PC Callum Brand, pulled her hair and elbowed her in the face while attempting to detain the victim's partner at an address in Halesowen on 16 June 2025.

Body-worn footage showed the woman approaching the officer from behind before he grabbed her by her hair, pinned her down by the neck, and elbowed her in the head, according to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The 27-year-old was found guilty of assault by beating at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Wednesday and is due to be sentenced on 7 September.

In an interview, the officer, who is currently suspended, said the woman hit him on the back and that, fearing she may have a weapon, he used what he believed was appropriate, proportionate force.

He arrested her on suspicion of assaulting a police officer, but she was later released without charge.

She suffered facial injuries, but was not seriously hurt, said the IOPC.

The officer was one of four called to the address to arrest her partner who was wanted on a warrant for failing to attend court.

The PC's response to the woman trying to intervene was "disproportionate and unnecessary", IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell, said.

"There was no justification for the level of force he used and no attempt to de-escalate the situation.

"The woman did not pose a genuine threat to PC Brand and, to that point, had not shown any aggression towards the officers," he said.

"The woman suffered facial injuries at the hands of an officer who should have been there to help protect and safeguard her," he added.

West Midlands Police confirmed the officer was currently suspended.

A force spokesperson said: "We note the jury's verdict and misconduct proceedings will follow in due course."

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