Police officer caught on CCTV attacking cyclist and punching teenage boy is found guilty of assault
Police officer, 30, who was caught on CCTV attacking cyclist, 44, and kicking and punching teenage boy, 15, after wrongly accusing them of crime during first lockdown is found guilty of assault
- PC Declan Jones assaulted two members of the public during first lockdown
- One attack was on a 15-year-old boy while Jones was on duty in Birmingham
- He kicked and punched the boy, who was wrongly accused of drugs offences
- Jones, 30, was also filmed dragging a cyclist off his bicycle in middle of street
- He was found guilty of two counts of assault, but acquitted of a third offence
PC Declan Jones (pictured), 30, carried out the attacks, one on a 15-year-old boy, on consecutive days in Birmingham in April last year
A police officer caught on CCTV attacking two members of the public while on duty during the first Covid lockdown has today been found guilty of assault.
PC Declan Jones, 30, carried out the assaults, one on a 15-year-old boy and the other on a 44-year-old cyclist, on consecutive days in Birmingham in April last year.
The West Midlands Police officer was recorded pulling a 44-year-old cyclist to the floor before punching him and kicking him and later pushing his face into the bonnet of a patrol vehicle.
Less than 24-hours later he was filmed kicking and punching a teenager after after wrongly accusing him of possessing drugs.
Jones was cleared of a third count of assault, following another incident in April, during which he was filmed saying he did ‘not believe’ in Covid.
Now Jones is facing a possible prison sentence after being found guilty at trial of two counts of assault at Coventry Magistrates’ Court.
District Judge Shamim Qureshi said the third incident had seen the officer use ‘proportionate’ force as colleagues struggled to detain a man wearing a stab-proof vest.
At a trial in June, the court was shown CCTV of Jones pulling innocent Michael Rose, 44, off his bicycle in the middle of the street in Frederick Road, Aston, on April 20 last year.
While Mr Rose was held down by a female officer, Jones punched him three times in the back while appearing to bang his head on the bonnet of the patrol car.
Disturbing footage shows the officer only stopping the attack when a silver Ford Focus drove past the scene.
While his female colleague held Mr Rose down, Jones was seen on CCTV (pictured) punching him three times in the back while appearing to bang his head on the bonnet of the patrol car
The next day Jones was caught on camera kicking a 15-year-old, who has not been named for legal reasons, on the ground
Footage shows him grappling with the youngster in Melbourne Avenue in Newton the day after the attack on Mr Rose
The officer then appears to punch the man again before kneeing him in the side as his colleague puts the handcuffs on.
Several passers-by appeal to the officer to stop, but Jones responds by body slamming Mr Rose against the car.
The next day Jones was caught on camera kicking a 15-year-old, who has not been named for legal reasons, while on the ground.
Footage shows him grappling with the youngster in Melbourne Avenue in Newton the day after the attack on Mr Rose.
Jones claimed he had used reasonable force in self-defence but he was found guilty of using unlawful force after a five-day trial at Coventry Magistrates’ Court.
District Judge Shamim Qureshi said the first two complainants were of good character, rejecting Jones’ claims that the victims were only seeking compensation.
He said: ‘None of the complainants went immediately to the police to allege assault. They only did so after being advised in the community.’
Finding Jones guilty of assaulting Mr Rose, who he believed had stolen his mobile phone, Judge Qureshi said: ‘It follows the use of force to restrain him was unlawful.
‘The use of the knee and throwing punches was unlawful as was the use of spray by PC Edwards.
‘I conclude PC Jones was abusing his powers and was not using reasonable force to detain Michael Rose.
Jones (pictured outside court today) was charged in October 2020 after an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) inquiry
‘Michael Rose did not throw any punches or kicks if he had he could be acting in self-defence.’
Finding Jones guilty of attacking the 15-year-old boy, Judge Qureshi said: ‘When a police officer can be seen on a video to kick at a 15-year-old boy on the ground, people would lose faith in the police force.
‘The offence in charge two was complete at the point of the punch and kick.
‘I find that PC Jones’ punch and kick were both unnecessary and an unlawful use of force against P, and I am satisfied so as to be sure that charge two is proved.’
Clearing Jones of the third assault, Judge Qureshi said: ‘Since all other attempts including a baton to restrain the man had already failed, I go on to conclude that PC Jones used proportionate force.’
Jones was charged in October 2020 after an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) inquiry.
The probe from the IOPC was launched amid allegations of excessive use of force.
Jones is currently suspended from the force. He was bailed and will be sentenced at the same court on September 10 and will face a misconduct hearing chaired by the Chief Constable.
Confirming that Jones will now face a misconduct hearing chaired by the West Midlands’ Chief Constable, Deputy Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said: ‘Pc Jones’ use of force was totally inappropriate and it’s right that he has been held accountable by the court today.’
A court imposed orders banning publication of Jones’s address, as well as protecting the identity of three child witnesses.
