Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Reason
Reason
Charles Oliver

Brickbat: Armed, Elderly, and Dangerous

Brickbat Donald Burgess East Sussex England Police

Two police officers in East Sussex, England, are accused of using excessive force against 93-year-old Donald Burgess, a wheelchair-bound amputee with dementia, after he threatened care home staff with a small knife. Within 83 seconds of entering his room, Officers Stephen Smith and Rachel Comotto allegedly pepper-sprayed Burgess in the face, struck him with a baton, and tased him. Both have been charged with assault. Prosecutors argue the force was "unjustified and unlawful," while the officers claim their actions aligned with their training to disarm him quickly.

The post Brickbat: Armed, Elderly, and Dangerous appeared first on Reason.com.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
'I'm sick of it': James Gunn explains why Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is no longer the DC comic book movie's name
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow will be known by a much cleaner title from now on, James Gunn has confirmed.
TechRadar
TechRadar
Zoë Kravitz Refreshes Her The Row Flip Flops With Easy Summer Shorts Even Princess Diana Approved
It's officially her summer uniform.
Marie Claire
Marie Claire
8 Things No One Should Keep In Their Home (But Many Do)
We often think of home as a safe haven, but everyday items tucked away in cabinets and drawers may silently risk our health or safety. Learning what to toss can clear clutter and prevent long‑term problems like mold, toxins, or accidents. From banned household goods to expiration‑ridden meds, these eight…
Grocery Coupon Guide
Grocery Coupon Guide
Maybe we shouldn’t be listening to Candace Cameron Bure’s “scary movie” takes
Girl, I think it's just a scary movie...
The Mary Sue
The Mary Sue
Squid Game creator gets candid about the likelihood of Netflix spin-off show
Exclusive: Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk talks ending the Netflix show
Total Film
Total Film
Boy George calls JK Rowling 'bored rich bully' as social media feud erupts over trans rights
Rowling, 59, has faced backlash from Harry Potter stars and actor Pedro Pascal for her views on trans rights
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play