Police officer fined for assault while on duty

A West Yorkshire Police officer has been fined after being found guilty of committing an assault while on duty.

PC Kenny Walton, who had denied the charge, was accused of using excessive force when dealing with a member of the public in Wakefield city centre on 16 June 2024.

Walton had asked a man to leave a mental health hub, with his subsequent actions "not appropriate", according to police. His statement regarding the incident "did not fully reflect the circumstances portrayed on body-worn video", they added.

The 40-year-old was fined £250, told to pay additional compensation of £250 and prosecution costs of £650 following a hearing at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Det Ch Supt Tanya Wilkins, Head of West Yorkshire Police's Professional Standards department, said Walton, of Featherstone, would now face misconduct proceedings.

She said: "Police officers will sometimes be required to use force during the course of their duties, but it is vital that its use is reasonable, necessary and proportionate.

"A complaint in respect of the officer's actions was made and an investigation commenced, which resulted in the officer being placed on restricted duties."

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