Former PC Thomas Karlsen, who assaulted a member of the public while on duty, has been given a suspended sentence following an investigation by the Met.

Karlsen, who was attached to the South West Command Unit, appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, 5 September where he was sentenced to four months custodial suspended for 12 months.

The judge also sentenced him to 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement, an 80 hour Community Order (unpaid work), as well as the required payment of £400 compensation to the victim.

Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland, in charge of South West Command Unit, said: "Former PC Karlsen's actions that day were shocking, and completely disproportionate to the situation he faced.

"I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to the victim. It is clear from the body worn video that this would have been a very traumatic experience which will have had a long lasting impact. Officers from our Directorate of Professional Standards continue to offer him every support."

In November 2022, Karlsen attended an address in New Malden following reports by the occupants of a domestic dispute involving a relative who was staying at the property.

Footage of the incident from the body cameras. (Photo: Met Police)

On arrival at the scene, Karlsen attempted to detain a man and whilst doing so he punched and kicked him, as well as using PAVA spray at close proximity.

Karlsen arrested the man on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and resisting arrest.

The man was transferred to hospital with swelling to the face and a split lip, and later taken into police custody. Following a review of body worn video, he was released with no further action. Karlsen was referred to the DPS.

The matter was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who requested a local investigation. Karlsen was interviewed under caution and charged on 22 May with ABH. He was suspended from duty.

DCS Kelland added: "We have been explicit about the high standards we expect from officers and know that we must maintain these in order to increase the trust that our communities have in us. The powers afforded to us must be used fairly and professionally, and it is clear that this was absolutely not the case on this occasion."

On Tuesday, 27 June, Karlsen appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court and pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm.

A misconduct hearing concluded on Thursday, 3 August that had Karlsen – who resigned from the organisation in July – still been serving, he would have been dismissed without notice.

A second male PC who was with Karlsen at the time of the incident will face a misconduct meeting in due course. He is not subject to any restrictions.