
A Metropolitan Police officer has been found guilty of assault after putting a teenage girl in a headlock during a confrontation in north London, in a case that has raised significant concerns about police conduct and use of force.
PC Jonathan Marsh, 34, was convicted at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday after footage showed him restraining the 16-year-old girl during a stop in Enfield last November. The court heard how the incident escalated rapidly, culminating in the officer applying what prosecutors described as an "unnecessary and excessive" headlock.
Confrontation Captured on Camera
The altercation began when Marsh and a colleague approached the teenager and her friends. According to evidence presented in court, the situation deteriorated when the girl questioned why she was being stopped.
Mobile phone footage played during the trial showed Marsh placing the girl in a headlock and forcing her to the ground. The prosecution argued the officer had "lost his cool" and used force that was "neither reasonable nor proportionate."
Defence Arguments Rejected
Marsh's defence team claimed the officer had acted in self-defence, alleging the teenager had become aggressive and attempted to punch him. However, District Judge Tan Ikram dismissed these claims, stating the evidence showed the officer had "overstepped the mark."
"The use of a headlock in these circumstances was not justified," the judge remarked during sentencing. "Police officers are trained to de-escalate situations, not intensify them."
Broader Implications for Police Conduct
The conviction comes amid ongoing scrutiny of police tactics in London, particularly concerning interactions with young people. The Metropolitan Police has faced repeated criticism over its use of stop and search powers and allegations of excessive force.
A spokesperson for the force stated they would now conduct misconduct proceedings against Marsh, who has been suspended from duty since the incident. "We expect the highest standards of professionalism from our officers," the spokesperson said.
The girl's family has welcomed the verdict, describing the incident as "traumatic" and calling for broader reforms in police training and accountability measures.