A former police officer from Devon and Cornwall Police has been jailed for 18 months after assaulting a vulnerable woman while she was in custody. The shocking incident took place in St Austell, Cornwall, and has been condemned as a "gross breach of trust" by the judiciary.
Christopher Hunt, 37, was found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm following an altercation with the woman, who was detained at the time. The victim, described as "particularly vulnerable", sustained injuries during the encounter.
Details of the Assault
The court heard how Hunt, who had served with the force for over a decade, lost control during the incident. Prosecutors stated that his actions were "entirely unjustified" and amounted to an abuse of his position of authority.
Truro Crown Court was told that the assault occurred while the woman was being processed at the police station. Witnesses reported seeing Hunt use excessive force, leaving the victim visibly distressed and injured.
Sentencing and Fallout
Judge Robert Linford described Hunt's behaviour as "a fundamental betrayal of the standards expected of police officers". In addition to the prison sentence, Hunt was ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation to the victim.
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that Hunt had been dismissed from the force following an internal misconduct hearing. "There is no place in policing for such behaviour," the statement read.
The case has raised questions about police conduct and the treatment of vulnerable individuals in custody. Local advocacy groups have called for improved training and oversight to prevent similar incidents in future.
