The dismissal of two police officers who used a Taser and synthetic pepper spray on a 92‑year‑old wheelchair‑bound amputee in a care home has sent shockwaves through the community, raising urgent questions about how vulnerable people are treated by those sworn to protect them.
The Incident at St Leonards Care Home
On 21 June 2022, officers Stephen Smith and Rachel Comotto responded to a call at a residential facility in St Leonards, East Sussex, after reports that a resident was brandishing a knife. Body‑worn footage shows the two men entering a room where Donald Burgess, a 92‑year‑old wheelchair user with an amputated leg, was isolated and holding a piece of cutlery. Within 90 seconds, Smith sprayed Pava chemical spray into the man’s face and struck his arm with a baton, while Comotto discharged her Taser. The force was applied before the man could drop the knife, a moment that the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said was unnecessary.
The short exchange captured on camera shows the officers’ rapid escalation, turning a potentially manageable situation into a violent confrontation that left the elderly man incapacitated.
The IOPC Investigation and Findings
The IOPC concluded that Smith and Comotto used “excessive force” that was “inappropriate” and “unreasonable” given the circumstances. The panel noted that Mr Burgess posed little risk to the officers; he was wheelchair‑bound, holding only a cutlery knife, and was alone in the room. The investigation also uncovered a separate breach of conduct by Comotto, who posted a contentious remark on Facebook on the day of the incident, stating, “We all know what happens in care homes” followed by a lightning bolt emoji. She later admitted to authoring the comment.
“Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the family of Donald Burgess,” IOPC director of engagement Emily Barry said. “We know that footage of this incident showing the force used by the officers on Mr Burgess has caused widespread concern and anger. This was not a fast‑paced incident where the officers or other care home residents were in immediate danger. Mr Burgess, who was wheelchair‑bound and holding a cutlery knife, was isolated from other residents and clearly posed little risk to the officers. Any use of force should have been a last resort and only used when necessary. Rather than de‑escalating the situation they immediately threatened Mr Burgess with force and then discharged Pava spray, struck him with a baton and tasered him when he didn’t drop the knife. Their actions were clearly excessive and unreasonable, and PC Comotto then displayed further poor judgment by joking about tasering Mr Burgess on social media afterwards. Their actions have damaged the public’s trust and confidence in policing and they have been held accountable and dismissed from policing.”
Disciplinary Action and Aftermath
Following a misconduct hearing, both officers were found guilty of gross misconduct and were dismissed without notice on 6 October 2026, as confirmed by the IOPC. They have also been placed on the College of Policing’s barred list, preventing them from ever working in law enforcement again. Although a Southwark Crown Court trial in May 2025 acquitted them of assault, the internal disciplinary process led to their immediate termination. Sussex Police Deputy Chief Constable Paul Court expressed his dismay, saying, “Like many, I was appalled by the officers’ actions and I would like to apologise to Mr Burgess’s family for their conduct during this upsetting incident.” He added that the force used “was excessive, unnecessary and in no way reflects the conduct of those who serve in Sussex Police, particularly when responding to incidents involving vulnerable people and those in crisis.”
“Police officers can often find themselves in challenging and unpredictable situations, where they must make split‑second decisions to keep the public safe and to do so with measure, compassion and skill. This was not one of those cases. Any use of force must be reasonable, necessary and proportionate, and officers know they will be held accountable for their actions every time. I expect our officers to show empathy to people, to demonstrate restraint in their actions and to show humility and courage when things go wrong. The absence of these qualities make these two officers unsuitable to serve the communities of Sussex and they have rightly been dismissed without notice from our force and will be unable to work in policing again. Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Burgess.”
Broader Implications for Policing
The case has sparked a wider debate about police training and the protocols governing interactions with elderly and disabled individuals. Critics argue that the rapid deployment of tasers and chemical agents against a frail resident reflects a lack of understanding of de‑escalation techniques and a failure to prioritize safety over force. The IOPC’s findings underline the need for clearer guidance on when force is permissible, especially in care settings where residents may be physically limited and cognitively vulnerable. Moreover, the Facebook comment by Comotto illustrates how social media can become a conduit for unprofessional behaviour, further eroding public confidence.
In response, the Deputy Chief Constable pledged to review training programmes and to reinforce the importance of empathy and restraint among officers. “We will be examining our policies to ensure that every encounter with a vulnerable person is handled with the utmost care and professionalism,” he said. The incident serves as a stark reminder that the trust placed in policing is fragile, and that accountability must be swift and decisive to preserve community confidence.
Why it Matters
The dismissal of Smith and Comotto underscores a pivotal moment for policing in Sussex and beyond, highlighting that the misuse of force against vulnerable people cannot be tolerated. By holding officers accountable and publicly acknowledging the harm caused, the IOPC and police leadership aim to restore trust and reinforce a culture of empathy, restraint, and proportionality. The broader lesson for society is clear: protecting the most fragile members of our communities requires not only robust training but also a steadfast commitment to ethical conduct, ensuring that the police serve as guardians rather than aggressors.