A former Northumbria Police Officer has been jailed for an assault that left a man with a deep laceration to the head.
Stephen Light, aged 44, of Bede Close, Newcastle, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court today (14th September).
Light was sentenced to 2 years 6 months for GBH Assault.
The incident occurred at 1:54am, on 11th April 2018, attended the home of Andrew Grant on Fountains Avenue in Workington in the early hours of Wednesday the 11th April 2018 after a window was smashed.
He went into Mr Grant’s property uninvited, where he assaulted Mr Grant using a metal kitchen roll holder as a weapon, causing a wound to the back of his head which required 7 stitches.
Detective Constable James Graham, West Cumbria CID, said: “This attack was on a man in his own home, a place where everyone has the right to feel safe.
“The sentence passed today reflects seriousness of the offences and the violence shown.
“Cumbria Police will not tolerate this type of behaviour and look to bring all offenders to justice.”
Superintendent Sav Patsalos, head of Professional Standards at Northumbria Police, said:
“We expect the highest standards from officers and staff both on and off-duty.
“As soon as we became aware of the allegations against Stephen Light he was suspended.
“Following his conviction for assault, we progressed relevant disciplinary proceedings which have resulted in his dismissal without notice from the Force.
“I want this to give people confidence that in cases such as this we will not hesitate to take swift and decisive action.
“I would like to reassure the communities we serve that this sort of behaviour is not reflective of the outstanding professionalism and commitment our officers and staff display daily.”
Gerard Rogerson for the CPS said: “As a police officer, Stephen Light would have been well aware of what is considered to be acceptable and lawful behaviour. However, whilst off duty and intoxicated, he took the law into his own hands by going into a man’s house uninvited and assaulting him.
“Throughout the case, Light denied the assault, and made a counter allegation that Mr Grant had assaulted him. However, we presented a strong case of evidence to the jury which proved that he was the aggressor, which resulted in them finding him guilty of assault.”
“The CPS and police have worked together closely in this case, recognising the need to robustly prosecute those who abuse their positions as officers of the law, in order to maintain public confidence in the criminal justice system.”
