PC sacked for arresting knife-toting teen 'without respect' has online fundraiser launched

A fundraiser has been set up to support a police officer sacked for arresting a knife-wielding teenager with a "lack of courtesy". PC Lorne Castle was dismissed after pinning a 15-year-old boy to the ground, placing a hand over his facing, and shouting curse words at him. During the arrest, a Stanley knife fell out of the boy's hand. He was suspected of assaulting two people, incuding an elderly man.

PC Castle, 46, was dismissed from Dorset Police over the arrest in Bournemouth and has been barred from serving again. In footage of the incident, he can heard saying to the teen: "You're under arrest. While on top of the boy on the ground, he then yelled: "Get on the ground. Get down. Get down. Show me your f***ing hands, now. Put your f***ing hands behind your [back]."

PC Castle's female colleague tried to intervene to de-escalate the situation, however PC Castle continued and said to the boy: "Right, listen, stop screaming like a little b****. Do you understand that? Shut up."

During a misconduct hearing, PC Castle admitted he was too aggressive in his language and broke down in tears as he said: "I'm embarrassed by the video and I apologise for my actions. Anyone who knows me in public or private life knows that is not how I behave. When he started screaming and resisting I panicked and became overwhelmed.

"I did not choke the suspect and I did not get him in a headlock. I was trying to keep his head still with the palm of my hand so he did not hit his head. I did not put my full weight on him as my knees were on the concrete. I only applied enough weight to keep his body still", he added.

The award-winning officer went on: "During the arrest I saw the knife fall out of his waistband so he was arrested for a knife offence. I think the arrest needed to be made but I lost control of the situation."

Lorne Castle was dismissed without notice at a Dorset Police Gross Misconduct Hearing which lasted 3 days. He had served the public of Dorset for over 10 years as both a PCSO and Police Constable .

Since being dismissed, former Dorset Police Chief Inspector Chris Amey has set up a fundraiser to support PC Castle. It has raised almost £30,000, despite the target amount being set at £20,000.

The GoFundMe page alleges: "Lorne tackled a violent , knife carrying offender who'd just assaulted an elderly male and a 14 year old boy and instead of commending him, Dorset Police throw him under the bus".

It goes on: "The 'independent' panel stated that Lorne had failed to act with self-control, and did not treat 'the boy ' with courtesy or respect. His shouting, swearing, finger pointing, taking hold of the boy's face and throat and suggested use of leg restraints was not necessary, reasonable or proportionate.

"Really, do you as members of the public want knife carrying violent offenders treated with respect and courtesy? Personally , I'd like them taken to the floor, handcuffed and sent to court."