A 5-day misconduct hearing into an alleged use of force by an Isle of Wight police sergeant is to get underway today (Monday).
Sgt Simon Lythgoe, 50, is to appear before a Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary hearing in Eastleigh, Southampton this week.
It is alleged that on 15th January last year, he used force upon a male in custody that was unnecessary, unreasonable and disproportionate, given the circumstances.
Less than a month later, on 5th February 2022, it is alleged he used force that was unnecessary, unreasonable and disproportionate again, this time on a female in custody.
It is alleged that the manner in which this officer dealt with both individuals fell below the standards of Police Officers and such conduct amounts to the breach of Standards of Professional Behaviour in respect of ‘Use of Force’ and ‘Discreditable Conduct’.
If proven, it is said that the breach of Standards of Professional Behaviour would justify dismissal from the Force.
In 2016, Sgt Lythgoe was recognised for his good work in helping a distressed lady to come away from a cliff edge. In 2018, he broke a world record for weight lifting.
In the past 18 months alone there have been a total of 10 misconduct hearings carried out by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary.
Why are we picking on our police,if you are a criminal,druggy etc you don’t give a s++t about others and cause a great deal of harm and upset. Whatever happens in police custody or prison is tough, you’re fault 99% of time. Unfortunately I have come across said Sgt and he has been professional and appropriate with me so can only guess his accusers deserved what ever.
If we keep up this approach to our police esp MET police very soon we will have our country run by terrorists ,thugs and scum . Children abused, elderly robbed and anyone driving without license on drugs etc can kill and no consequence.
Because they are not only excessively violence, but also exceptionally stupid. They arrest innocent people like me or you.
If they only arrested poors and immigrants I’d agree with you, actually I’d vote for them to arrest and abuse more innocent poors and immigrants. But while it may be me, this can’t be allowed to happen.
You are assuming that the people who may have been subjected to excessive force were guilty of something. What if they were not? You really want a police force that goes around wilfully assaulting the public? The police are there to uphold the law, not to break it. It could be you next time (if the allegations are true).
Because the police are required and expected to obey the same laws that they are charged to uphold.
That includes the requirement to use only reasonable force.
If we turn a blind eye to the use of excessive force by the police then you enter a slippery slope. That is why there must be zero tolerance on police officers breaking the law.
“the police are required and expected to obey the same laws that they are charged to uphold”
You would hope. You should see what the police get up to online creating ‘honey traps’. They create and host illegal sites with the most awful type. Our tax money used to host CSAM and worst. It is a form or corruption, they think they are doing the right thing to catch criminals but end up breaking the law. The classic is slipping some drugs into the coat of someone they know is a nasty bit of work and needs to be of the street. Just can’t do that.
A detainee is detained by the police. Courts determine guilt or innocence. No police officer has the right to physically maul a detainee. But, I would say that a detainee has the right to resist. Not aggressively but with refusal to cooperate or non compliance with verbal requests. If the police can’t manage such behaviour they ought to rethink their job choice.
Well done Sgt for apprehending Criminals and being commended for helping people in dire need with mental health problems, keep up the good work.
This should never have come before any board, here’s a Police Officer carrying out his duty as requested, thank you.
Very soon? Aren’t we there already?
I was unfortunate enough to meet this police officer in Sandown about 4 years ago, he was abusive and angry , I was not doing anything other than walking my dog, but I was made to feel like I was up to no good, he obviously suffered the dreaded Roid rage, as he couldn’t control himself. I reported it at the time only to be told ” he was probably having a bad day ” !!
Probably steriods hes a nasty bit of work glad hes been exposed just because hes in a uniform no need for his behavior, not everyone in cells are guilty and I know for a fact he harrases people out of the cells about time he was court he brings decent coppers down with his bullying
Why on earth should this take 5 days? Seems like an excessive amount of time to me and it will cost a lot more than it needs to.
Had prior dealings with this Cop – always been firm but fair and prepared to take the time to speak to people and explain what’s happening.
Simon is a powerful man and a drug-free weightlifter. If he actually used excessive force, the accused would be a complete mess. These claims of using excessive force cannot be proved unless he actually did damage to someone, which he did not. Thus, we only have the subjective evidence provided by two criminals, which is worthless.
“drug-free weightlifter”
That is an oxymoron if I ever heard one.
Sack him now he is not above the law he seem to think he is
Hes a nasty bully hiding behind his uniform amazing the cameras don’t work when a prisoner has to hold the door shut as hes raging like a bull spitting everywhere when reported to iopc he gets away with it At last karma got him if he gets away with his illegal bullying then it will be a travesty of justice and he will get worse
Abuse of Power and Corruption are at the top of the list for IOW Police, as with most Constabularies I would imagine. Look at Wayne Couzens and David Carrick for example and another officer is now on a murder charge as well. The Police are badly managed and can no longer be trusted!!
have seen them using force that really wasn’t called for on some mouthy mentally unwell teenagers I knew well. Fix the mental health don’t be surprised about all the unhinged people who get no help
Some off the apples are over ripe
Who are the complainants? If it’s other police officer’s then that is a worry. If its just the criminal’s he was trying to arrest, then we know it’s a massive waste of court time and resources
I’ve worked alongside this Sergeant, independant from the police providing a medical service at the Station, he is one of the most proffesional Officers who’s strenght in the custody suite is using de-esculation techniques, rationlaization and giving detainees time in pressured circumstances.
He is a big man due to years of looking after his fitness and nutrition, you don’t get to the top of your game at an expert level proffesionally or in sport by being stupid. In five and a half years in my medical post I never saw any behaviour that was iddicative of steroid behaviour.