Shocking video shows moment on-duty Met Police officer assaults man

Former PC Thomas Karlsen, 22, punched and kicked the man while attending an address in New Malden, south London, following reports of a domestic dispute. 

On Tuesday (September 5) Karlsen was given a four-month custodial sentence which was suspended for a year. 

DCI Clair Kelland, in charge of the South West Command Unit which Karlsen was attached to, said: “Former PC Karlsen’s actions that day were shocking, and completely disproportionate to the situation he faced. I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to the victim.” 

In November last year Karlsen responded to reports by the occupants of a domestic dispute involving a relative who was staying at the property. 

When he arrived at the scene Karlsen attempted to detain a man and whilst doing so he punched and kicked him. 

He also used PAVA spray (similar to pepper spray) at close proximity to the man. 

Karlsen arrested the man on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and resisting arrest before the man was transferred to hospital with swelling to the face and a split lip. 

The body worn video footage was later reviewed and the man was then released without action. 

Karslen was interview under caution and charged with ABH after the matter was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).  

At Southwark Crown Court Karlsen was given a suspended sentence including 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement, and an 80 hours of unpaid work. 

He is also required to pay £400 compensation to the victim. 

A misconduct hearing concluded on Thursday, 3 August that had Karlsen – who resigned from the organisation in July – still been serving, he would have been dismissed without notice. 

DCI Kelland said: “It is clear from the body worn video that this would have been a very traumatic experience which will have had a long lasting impact [on the victim]. Officers from our Directorate of Professional Standards continue to offer [the victim] every support. 

“We have been explicit about the high standards we expect from officers and know that we must maintain these in order to increase the trust that our communities have in us. 

“The powers afforded to us must be used fairly and professionally, and it is clear that this was absolutely not the case on this occasion.”