A Metropolitan Police officer has been accused of "lazy policing" after firing his Taser at a suspected burglar, causing the man to fall from a shed and suffer life-changing injuries that left him tetraplegic and reliant on a wheelchair.
The Incident in Woodford Green
The court at Southwark Crown Court heard that the incident occurred in the early hours of 24 April 2022. Police Constable Liam Newman, aged 31, and his colleague were called to reports of a break-in at a Coral bookmakers on Chigwell Road in Woodford Green, east London.
Upon arrival, the officers encountered a white Ford van driven by Leonard Sandiford. The court was told PC Newman used his baton to strike the vehicle and attempted to pull Mr Sandiford from the driver's seat. Mr Sandiford then fled on foot, leading officers on a chase that ended when he reached a cul-de-sac and climbed onto a shed.
'Lazy Policing' or Legitimate Force?
Prosecutor Irshad Sheikh told the jury that PC Newman then fired his Taser. Mr Sandiford fell "uncontrolled" from a height of nearly six feet, sustaining a severe spinal cord injury. The prosecution argued that the officer fired not because he feared for his safety or that of others, but simply because "he did not want to chase after him," labelling the use of force as unreasonable and unlawful.
"It was lazy policing," Mr Sheikh stated, alleging the constable's primary motive was to stop Mr Sandiford from escaping.
However, the defence presented a different account. Kevin Baumber, representing PC Newman, said his client's "motivation is one of public service." PC Newman told the court he believed there was a high chance the suspect was armed and that he was acting to protect himself, his colleague, and local residents.
"My honest-held belief at the time... is that he's willing to... in my opinion, he's trying to kill me," the officer testified. He added that he thought Mr Sandiford was on a flat surface only about two feet high, not the shed roof from which he ultimately fell.
Life-Changing Consequences and Ongoing Trial
The consequences of the fall were catastrophic. Mr Sandiford is now tetraplegic and uses a wheelchair. Body-worn video footage from PC Newman was played in court, showing the moment the Taser was deployed and Mr Sandiford disappearing from view as he fell.
PC Newman denies one count of grievous bodily harm. The defence counsel emphasised that the officer had his camera activated and was acting in "good faith." The jury has been sent home and will resume its deliberations on Tuesday morning.
