A former Herts Police officer from Apsley has been found guilty of assaulting a man with a pepper spray described by one force as “like wet fire”.
William Owen, 30, of Longman Court, Stationers Place, Apsley, was found guilty of common assault by administering a noxious substance, at a trial at Peterborough Crown Court on Monday, February 5.
He had originally been found not guilty of assault causing actual bodily harm.
Whilst on duty in Watford on November 7, 2021, Owen sprayed a synthetic pepper spray onto another man.
The type of spray used is known as pelargonic acid vanillylamide and is regularly used by police officers. Lincolnshire Police describe the substance as being “like wet fire”.
Speaking to Kings News, Herts Police Assistant Chief Constable Genna Telfer said: “Any incident where an officer acts unlawfully and undermines public trust, we take this very seriously, especially in cases where excessive force is used.
“The investigation in this case and subsequent conviction of ex-PC Owen was prompted from concerns raised by other officers over PC Owen’s conduct. This demonstrates a commitment internally to remove individuals who fall below the standards we expect.
“Ex PC Owen will now face a formal accelerated misconduct process which could result in him being put on the police barred list for life.”
Owen will now be sentenced for the assault on Friday, March 22.
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