3 months ago
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The Metropolitan Police and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) engaged in a bizarre online spat on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday after an officer was charged with assaulting a woman who was wrongly arrested for bus fare evasion.
PC Perry Lathwood, 49, was handed the charge after he 'beat' his victim during her arrest, leaving her with bruising, as reported by the IOPC. Footage of the incident between the officer and the woman, who was arrested in Whitehorse Road, Croydon, on July 21 2023, was shared widely on social media at the time.
On Friday, the IOPC finally shared on X that Lathwood will appear in court next month following the decision by the Crown Prosecution Service to charge him.
The Met's official account replied to share a statement from Chief Supt Andy Brittain, who is responsible for policing in Croydon: 'The news that an officer has been charged with assault will undoubtedly cause a great deal of concern.
'Officers know they must be able to justify their use of force. The Met has written to the IOPC seeking urgent clarity on the reasons for the charging decision.
'Criminal proceedings are now active and as a result I am unable to comment further on the case.'
Within less than an hour, the IOPC replied: 'Hi @metpoliceuk, as you know a decision on whether to charge someone with a crime, whether a police officer or a member of the public, is taken independently by the Crown Prosecution Service.'
The footage shows the mother being held by police officers as her young son hysterically cries in desperation
In response to the video at the time, the force had defended the officers' actions, stating that the woman was thought to have not paid her bus fare
Video from last summer showed the victim, who has not been named, being held back by Lathwood, an officer from the Met's Road Traffic Polcing Command, as her young son cries hysterically in desperation.
Passers-by in Croydon, south London, demand to know why the woman is being handcuffed, while a female officer attempts to calm the young boy down.
The woman was later released when it was confirmed that she had paid the fare.
At the time Metropolitan Police said in a statement: 'We are aware of a video circulating showing a female being handcuffed by police.
'Officers from the Roads and Transport Policing Command were conducting a joint revenue protection operation with Transport for London inspectors in Whitehorse Road, Croydon, on Friday July 21.
'One woman left the bus after not complying with a revenue inspector's request to check that she has paid her fare.
'When asked to stop by police she attempted to walk off and became abusive. As a result she was arrested on suspicion of fare evasion and detained.
'When it was later established that the woman had paid she was de-arrested and allowed to go on her way.
'The woman was with her child and we appreciate that the video and circumstances look concerning.
'However, it is a snapshot of a wider incident. The video from this incident and the officers' body worn video, which was active for a longer period than the social media clip, has been reviewed.
'Our officers regularly liaise with local community groups and forums and we will be discussing the matter with them and listening to their views.'
Lathwood will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on February 14
However, after an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) had been concluded in December, PC Perry Lathwood was charged with assault.
Lathwood will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on February 14.
Chief superintendent Andy Brittain, who is responsible for policing in Croydon, said: 'The news that an officer has been charged with assault will undoubtedly cause a great deal of concern.
'Officers know they must be able to justify their use of force.
The Metropolitan Police Service has written to the IOPC seeking urgent clarity on the reasons for the charging decision.'
