Police Officer Convicted for Station Assault on Teenager
A British Transport Police officer has been sentenced after assaulting a 15-year-old girl by putting her in a headlock at a North London station.
PC Adrian Young, 48, from Spalding in Lincolnshire, was given a 12-month community order at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
The Incident at Camden Road Station
The court heard that on September 22, 2024, BTP officers responded to a request for assistance from railway staff at Camden Road overground station.
The incident began when the 15-year-old girl pushed her way through ticket barriers. CCTV footage presented in court showed PC Young restraining the teenager by placing her in a headlock.
According to evidence presented during the trial, the girl remained in the headlock for approximately 30 seconds before the officer pushed her back through the ticket barrier.
The court was told that Young then placed his hand around the girl's throat while pushing her up against a ticket machine before handcuffing and arresting her. She was later de-arrested at the scene.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
PC Young, who has served in the police for more than 19 years, was convicted of assault by beating last month following a trial.
District Judge Nina Tempia said the incident would have caused the girl "psychological distress." The judge sentenced Young to:
- A 12-month community order
- 10 days of rehabilitation activities
- 150 hours of unpaid work in the community
- A victim surcharge of £114
- Costs of £650
- £200 compensation to the complainant
Prosecutor Barto De Lotbiniere told the court: "There's clear evidence to say this is a victim who was vulnerable due to her age and also the circumstances of the time."
Defending Young, Kevin Baumber said the officer had used "excessive force in a lawful detention" but maintained there was "no choking and no strangulation."
Police Force Response and Disciplinary Proceedings
British Transport Police described Young's actions as "appalling" and said they demonstrated "a completely unnecessary and unacceptable use of force against a child."
BTP Assistant Chief Constable Sean O'Callaghan stated: "Police officers are rightly expected to maintain control of any situation and by not doing so, PC Young has undermined public confidence in BTP."
The force confirmed that Young remains suspended from duty and that they will liaise with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to "swiftly progress disciplinary proceedings."
IOPC director Amanda Rowe commented: "The conviction and sentencing of PC Young demonstrates that officers who abuse their powers by using unlawful force will be held to account and there can be serious consequences."
She also acknowledged the importance of the public complaint that initiated the investigation, stating that "this matter may not have been brought to our attention otherwise."
