CCTV footage shows woman hurled into cell by officer
06 Sep 2010
A woman could be entitled to compensation for a breach of her
civil
liberties after footage emerged of her being thrown into a
police cell by an officer.
Pamela Somerville, 57, was found asleep in her car in a lay-by in
Wiltshire in 2008 and she was brought to Melksham police station
for questioning.
It was alleged that she had refused a breath test, but the market
researcher denied this and insisted she had cooperated.
CCTV footage shows Sergeant Mark Andrews, 37, yelling at the woman
to be quiet and do as she is told, before dragging her across the
floor of the room.
As the pair move to the cells, Mr Andrews can then be seen throwing
Ms Somerville into an empty holding area.
However, she suffers an injury to her face and is momentarily
stunned, before getting to her feet and calling for help, dripping
blood.
Mr Andrews returns with a doctor and Ms Somerville is taken for
treatment, but she said she has been left shocked by the officer's
conduct.
"I can remember how terrified I was. I could have died. It seems
utterly that an innocent person can be treated in such a horrific
and violent way and then be left alone," the victim
commented.
Mr Andrews has been suspended on full pay after being convicted of
assault causing actual bodily harm and will be sentenced tomorrow
(September 7th 2010).
The charges against Ms Somerville - including her refusing a breath
test - have been dropped and Wiltshire Police has apologised.
Spokesman Patrick Geenty said: "People have a right to expect that
the police will always act by placing the safety and welfare of the
public as their first priority.
"This is particularly so when in police custody when, irrespective
of the reason for their detention, people should feel and be
safe."
Anyone who feels they have been a victim of police misconduct can
make a complaint to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
It is advisable to seek a solicitor in order to do this.
