Overview

• PC Stephen Smith and PC Rachel Comotto face assault charges for using pepper spray, a baton, and a Taser against Donald Burgess, a 92-year-old amputee in a care home.
• Prosecutors argue the force used was excessive and unjustified, with bodycam footage showing the officers escalating within 83 seconds of entering the room.
• The incident occurred after staff reported Burgess, holding a small serrated knife, had poked a worker; officers allegedly failed to engage with staff or explain their presence to Burgess.
• Burgess, who had multiple health conditions and was wheelchair-bound, was hospitalized after the encounter and died 22 days later from Covid-19, though police actions were not linked to his death.
• The trial at Southwark Crown Court is ongoing, with both officers pleading not guilty and the hearing adjourned for further evidence.