A police officer accused of assaulting a teenager while carrying out an arrest was today appearing in court.
Detective Constable Kevin Rowley has been charged with common assault by beating following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
It comes after an officer was filmed repeatedly striking a youth with his police baton in April.
The footage, later circulated on social media, appears to show a black male in handcuffs being hit before he kneels down on the pavement.
The Met referred the incident to the IOPC, saying it happened during the arrest of a 17-year-old male in Heath Park Road, Romford, on suspicion of possession of class B drugs.
Dc Rowley, based at East Area Command Unit, was set to appear at Westminster magistrates’ court today. Metropolitan Police Federation chairman Ken Marsh said his organisation would be supporting him.
.png?w=600)
