Police Officer Convicted of Punching Handcuffed Man

A Surrey police officer has been convicted of punching a handcuffed man in the head.

PC Matthew Fitzgibbon, who is based at Epsom Police Station, punched the 20-year-old while he was lying on the ground and "posed no threat".

The man had been arrested in Epsom on September 16, 2017 on suspicion of burglary and criminal damage.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has already conducted an investigation into the incident.

Fitzgibbon was found guilty of assault following a one day trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier this month. He was back in court on Friday, 18th January 2019 for sentencing.

Magistrates imposed a 12 month community order with 180 hours unpaid work. Fitzgibbon was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85.

The IOPC began its investigation of Fitzgibbon after colleagues raised concerns about his actions during the arrest.

It also looked into an allegation he inappropriately contacted potential witnesses after the incident, but did not pursue the matter.

Following his conviction, Deputy Chief Constable Gavin Stephens said the fact Fitzgibbons' colleagues raised concerns about him shows "a great amount of integrity on their part" and gives him hope other would do the same.

"Policing is a challenging job and I have no doubt that every officer comes to work to do their best, however there are moments when those normally high standards fall below what we expect and see on a day to day basis," he said.

"Having recognised that this was a serious matter we immediately referred it to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which has carried out an independent investigation."

Fitzgibbon, who has been on restricted duties since the assault, will now face a charge of breaching the Standard of Professional Behaviour at Surrey Police misconduct hearing on Tuesday, 29th January 2019.