West Yorkshire Police officer guilty of assaulting man in Leeds

A West Yorkshire Police (WYP) officer has been sentenced for assault, following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). 

PC David Watson-Walker, aged 43, appeared before Sheffield Magistrates Court today (Friday 10 July), and was handed a £440 fine after being found guilty of common assault in relation to an incident in Leeds in December 2024.

The sentencing follows a one-day trial on 24 April at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court. The evidence at trial was heard over a full day in April but due to time pressures, it was agreed with the parties that written closing submissions should be made, with a further opportunity to make oral submissions on 27 May 2026, allowing for a judgement to be handed down thereafter.

The court heard that at 7.38pm on 17 December, PC Watson-Walker and a colleague were dispatched to a report of a moped being driven dangerously around Leeds.  

Following the report, the officers managed to locate the moped and used force to detain the rider of the moped who was apprehended on the ground.   

Analysis of available CCTV in the area and the colleague’s body worn video footage showed PC Watson-Walker deliver four knee strikes and three hand strikes to the moped rider’s head before handcuffs were applied. After arriving at Elland Road custody suite, the moped rider was taken to hospital for injuries to his head, face and ankle.   

IOPC Director of Engagement Emily Barry said: “Any occasion where an officer uses force must be reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances. In this incident, PC Watson-Walker used excessive and unreasonable force when he repeatedly punched the man’s head, injuring him in the process. 

“Though force can be used if needed, officers are trained to always use it with restraint. His actions, in assaulting a member of the public, have the potential to reflect negatively on police colleagues, as well as impacting on the professional relationships they have with the communities they serve. 

“The officer now has a conviction against his name and this case should be a reminder to officers that any force they use should be necessary, reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances.” 

During the investigation we reviewed police body worn footage and CCTV footage. The officer was interviewed under caution and we also obtained witness statements and reviewed local and national police policies, guidance and legislation. 

Our investigation began after we received a referral from WYP. Following the conclusion of our investigation, in May 2025, we sent a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service, who authorised the charge. 

At the end of our investigation, we also found that PC Watson-Walker should face a gross misconduct hearing for allegedly breaching the police standards of professional behaviour. Now that criminal matters have concluded, we will be liaising with the WYP to progress disciplinary proceedings.