Police officer guilty of attack on woman he arrested for shoplifting in central London

 
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A police officer has been found guilty of attacking a woman as he tried to arrest her for shoplifting in London's West End.

PC James Kiddie, 45, was charged with common assault after CCTV showed a violent scuffle between him and the woman after he searched her bag at a Uniqlo store in Regent Street on November 26, 2012.

He was convicted following a three-day trial at Westminster Magistrates' court and will be sentenced on March 11.

The incident has been referred to the Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS), which investigates complaints against police officers, Scotland Yard said.

Borough Commander for Westminster, Alison Newcomb, said: "PC James Kiddie has dealt a severe blow to the reputation of the Metropolitan Police.

"The court found his actions were totally unjustified. Police officers are not above the law and will be held to account irrespective of the circumstances."

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