A police officer, who behaved aggressively and used unreasonable force while arresting a 15-year-old boy in Bournemouth town centre, has been dismissed after allegations of gross misconduct were found proven against him.
Police Constable Lorne Castle had admitted misconduct in relation to breaching the standards of professional behaviour relating to Authority, Respect and Courtesy, Conduct and Use of Force but denied gross misconduct. During the hearing, PC Castle apologised and admitted his behaviour was rude, aggressive and inappropriate, but said he had panicked in the moment.
Following a public misconduct hearing at Dorset Police Headquarters in Winfrith, which concluded on Thursday, 29 May 2025, the independent panel found that the breaches amounted to gross misconduct and said the matter was so serious that the only outcome was dismissal without notice. He will be placed on the police barred list, which prevents him from holding any further role within policing.
On Saturday, 27 January 2024, PC Castle was on duty in uniform when he responded to reports of two separate assaults that were alleged to have taken place in the town. Once at the scene, PC Castle located the teenage suspect to make an arrest and was captured on body-worn video behaving aggressively and inappropriately from the outset.
PC Castle was seen to use unnecessary and inappropriate words towards the boy and place both his hands on his throat.
The panel found that PC Castle 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 were not necessary, reasonable, or proportionate.
The boy was arrested on suspicion of assault. Several minutes into the incident, while officers were restraining the boy, a knife subsequently fell from his pocket, and he was further arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife.
No further action was taken against the boy in relation to the reported assaults as there were no complaints made; however, he was issued with an out-of-court disposal for possessing the knife.
The conduct of PC Castle was reported to supervisors by other attending officers, who felt his actions were inappropriate and unnecessary.
Following an investigation, PC Castle was placed on restricted, non-public-facing duties.
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said, “At times our officers are required to use force to effect the arrest of suspects, prevent offences and protect the public, their colleagues, and themselves.
“I have the utmost respect for the vast majority of officers who have to use force when making an arrest and do so appropriately and with professionalism, even when they are exposed to risk and violence. They do a tough job, and when their actions are proportionate, necessary and reasonable, they will always be supported.
“We recognise the risks they place themselves in every day and as an organisation we ensure they receive the necessary training so they can correctly and safely arrest suspects while understanding the importance of treating the public with dignity and respect.
“I have never been in any doubt that PC Castle’s actions were excessive, aggressive and inappropriate and I can understand the communities we serve will be concerned about this case.
“PC Castle has let the police service and his colleagues down, and it is important to reiterate that he does not represent the many hard-working officers and staff of Dorset Police. The outcome delivered by the independent panel reflects the seriousness of this matter and ensures that he will no longer hold a role in policing or the privilege of constable.
“Tackling unethical or unacceptable behaviour remains a Force priority, and I am grateful to the officers for having the courage to do the right thing and report their concerns about PC Castle’s actions.
“Work continues internally to ensure all officers, staff, and volunteers understand the importance of calling out behaviour that falls below the expected standards, and I continue to encourage members of the public to report this to us so they can be thoroughly investigated.”
There are a number of ways the public can report matters. You can provide information you have about a serving police officer, staff member or volunteer in the UK to the Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service, which is run by the independent charity Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 085 0000 or via the Crimestoppers’ website. If you would prefer to report matters directly to the Force, you can call 101, visit the Force website or email countercorruptionunit.dorset@dorset.pnn.police.uk. Corruption can also be reported online at www.dorset.police.uk/contact/report-police-corruption/.
