PC fined for punching and kneeing moped rider

A West Yorkshire Police officer who repeatedly punched and kneed a moped rider in the head in Leeds has been sentenced.

PC David Watson-Walker, 43, used "excessive and unreasonable force" when apprehending the man after a report the rider had been driving dangerously in December 2024, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) found.

CCTV and police body-worn footage show the officer delivering four knee strikes and three punches to the moped rider's head before he was handcuffed, the police watchdog said.

Watson-Walker, who was found guilty of common assault, was given a £440 fine at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on Friday.

The PC and a colleague were called to the scene at about 19:40 GMT on 17 December, with the rider apprehended on the ground.

After arriving at the Elland Road custody suite, the moped rider was taken to hospital for injuries to his head, face and ankle.

Emily Barry, IOPC director of engagement, said any force used by officers should be reasonable and proportionate.

"In this incident, PC Watson-Walker used excessive and unreasonable force when he repeatedly punched the man's head, injuring him in the process," she said.

"His actions in assaulting a member of the public have the potential to reflect negatively on police colleagues, as well as impacting on the professional relationships they have with the communities they serve."

West Yorkshire Police said PC Watson-Walker would now face misconduct proceedings.

Det Ch Supt Tanya Wilkins, head of West Yorkshire Police's professional standards directorate, said: "There are situations where police officers may be required to use force and that is recognised in law.

"It is vital though that any use of force is done in line with training and is reasonable, necessary and proportionate – which was not the case in this incident."

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