TWO OFFICERS SACKED OVER TASER AND SPRAY USE ON PENSIONER, 92

Two police officers have been dismissed for gross misconduct after using synthetic pepper spray and a Taser on a 92-year-old amputee, the Independent Office for Police Conduct said. Pc Stephen Smith and Pc Rachel Comotto attended a care home in St Leonards, East Sussex, on 21 June 2022 after reports that a resident had threatened staff with a knife. Bodyworn video showed the officers entering a room where Donald Burgess, a wheelchair user with an amputated leg, had been isolated and was holding a cutlery knife. The IOPC said both officers used force against him within 90 seconds of arriving. Pc Smith sprayed Pava into Mr Burgess's face and struck the arm holding the knife with a baton, while Pc Comotto discharged her Taser. The watchdog described the force used as excessive.

The officers stood trial on assault charges in May 2025 and were cleared, according to the IOPC. A subsequent disciplinary hearing examined their conduct separately from the criminal case. The Daily Mail reported the officers as Pc Stephen Smith, 52, and Pc Rachel Comotto, 37. Both were dismissed without notice following the hearing into their treatment of Mr Burgess.

The IOPC confirmed the dismissals took effect on Tuesday, following the gross misconduct finding. Both officers will be added to the official police barred list, which records individuals dismissed from policing and prevents their re-employment in the service. Sky News reported the watchdog's confirmation that the sackings followed the use of a Taser and pepper spray on the pensioner inside the care home. Further details on the case were still emerging at the time of reporting.