URGENT UPDATE: A Lincolnshire police officer, PC Alan Kirkwood, is set to face a misconduct hearing following allegations of assault involving a bystander. This decision comes after Kirkwood was acquitted of assault charges at Nottingham Crown Court in 2024.
The incident took place on January 3, 2023, while PC Kirkwood was pursuing suspected thieves on Danesgate, Lincoln. During the chase, he mistakenly identified Scott Barratt, a man walking his dogs, as one of the suspects. Authorities report that Kirkwood pointed his Taser at Barratt and ordered him to the ground, subsequently kicking him in the face.
Despite being cleared of the assault charge, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) reviewed the case and recommended misconduct proceedings against Kirkwood. A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police confirmed, “Following a review by the IOPC concerning PC Kirkwood, we can confirm we have accepted their recommendations that there was a case to answer. Arrangements are in hand for a hearing to take place.”
During the trial, prosecutors noted that Kirkwood quickly recognized his error and offered an apology to Barratt. The jury swiftly cleared him of the charges, with Judge James Sampson praising him as “a man of exemplary character.”
However, the IOPC’s involvement highlights the ongoing scrutiny police conduct faces, emphasizing the need for accountability within law enforcement.
“It is important that forces properly police themselves,”
stated Iain Gould, Barratt’s solicitor and a specialist in police misconduct complaints.
No date has been set for the upcoming misconduct hearing, but the case continues to attract public attention as discussions around police accountability gain traction. This developing story underscores the critical importance of oversight in police actions, particularly when they involve civilians.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent matter as Lincolnshire Police prepares for the next steps in the proceedings.
