Policeman dismissed over incident in which teenager suffered life-changing injuries

The verdict, from the Independent Police Complaints Commission, came after PC Stuart Francis and PC Rishi Patel were found to have used excessive force when attempting to restrain teenager Christian-Lee Thompson after an incident on July 16 last year.

Christian Lee, now 16, from Hemel Hempstead, suffered life-changing brain injuries after he fell from a moped on the Nicky Line near Redbourn. The panel heard that PC Francis breached standards of professional behaviour in relation to honesty and integrity and to use of force.

The panel ruled that he should be dismissed, effective immediately.

His colleague, PC Patel, was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour in relation to use of force. The panel ruled that he should be given a written warning.

Both officers have the right to appeal the verdict.

In a statement, Christian-Lee’s family said: “We welcome this decision and are now considering pursuing a civil case against the police. The family believe there were a catalogue of errors, on and after that fateful day, involving the emergency services and the hospital who have all let Christian-Lee down. The family will continue to fight for appropriate medical treatment and justice for Christian-Lee.”

Read the full story in next week’s Gazette.