Two officers sacked for excessive force on 92-year-old amputee

Two police officers have been dismissed from Sussex Police for gross misconduct following the use of excessive force on a 92-year-old amputee. Pc Stephen Smith and Pc Rachel Comotto used Pava spray, a baton, and a Taser on Donald Burgess. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) stated that the force used was excessive and unreasonable, with Mr Burgess posing little risk.

Incident at care home

The incident occurred on 21 June 2022 when the officers responded to a report of a resident with a knife at a care home in St Leonards, East Sussex. Bodyworn footage showed the officers entering a room where Mr Burgess, who used a wheelchair and had an amputated leg, had been isolated. He was holding a cutlery knife. Within 90 seconds of their arrival, both officers applied force.

Pc Smith discharged Pava spray into Mr Burgess's face and struck the arm holding the knife with a baton. Pc Comotto then discharged her Taser. A police misconduct hearing found that the pair had used inappropriate force against the disabled man. Mr Burgess was taken to hospital and died 22 days later, aged 93. Sussex Police stated that the evidence did not indicate the officers' actions contributed to his death.

Social media comments

In addition to the excessive force, Pc Comotto was found to have made an inappropriate comment on Facebook on the day of the incident. She replied to a comment about a care home with the words: “We all know what happens in care homes”, adding a lightning bolt emoji. The exchange on social media suggested Mr Burgess had only wanted to butter his bread.

Court clearance and dismissal

Although Pc Smith and Pc Comotto were cleared of assault at Southwark Crown Court in May 2025, they were dismissed without notice on Tuesday. They will also be placed on the College of Policing’s barred list, preventing them from working in policing. The IOPC stated that the officers’ actions had damaged public trust and confidence in policing.

Paul Court, Sussex Police Deputy Chief Constable, expressed that he was appalled by the officers’ actions and apologised to Mr Burgess’s family. He stated that the force used was excessive and unnecessary, and did not reflect the conduct of officers serving the public, particularly when dealing with vulnerable individuals. He added that officers are expected to show empathy, restraint, humility, and courage, qualities he found absent in these two officers.