A former Dorset Police officer has pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm during a citizens' arrest outside a Bournemouth shopping centre. Lorne Castle, 47, appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on Wednesday, denying the charge that he seriously injured Daniel Meyrick on 19 June last year.
The incident occurred outside the Castlepoint shopping centre, just weeks after Castle left his role as a police constable. He was pictured detaining a suspected shoplifter outside a Nike store, pinning him to the ground with his arm locked behind his back.
Prosecutor Kathleen O'Callaghan told the court that Mr Meyrick suffered a fractured hip requiring surgery and the insertion of pins. She alleged that Castle maintained his hold on Mr Meyrick for 20 to 30 minutes, despite the injury. Castle also sustained some injuries during the altercation.
Castle, who spoke only to confirm his details and enter his plea, was granted bail with a condition not to contact Mr Meyrick. He is due to appear at Reading Crown Court on 23 June.
