A Dorset Police officer has pleaded guilty to a non-fatal strangulation offence following an altercation in Weymouth, prompting formal misconduct proceedings. Police Constable Tyler McWalter, 30, appeared at Weymouth Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 20 March 2025, where he admitted to the charge. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday, 3 July 2025.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 14 September 2024, on The Esplanade in Weymouth, while PC McWalter was off duty. It was alleged that the officer was involved in a confrontation outside Kika Beach, during which he placed his arms around another man’s neck. The victim sustained an injury to his eye, as well as reporting a sore throat and neck pain following the altercation.
After being interviewed in connection with the incident, PC McWalter was issued a postal requisition to appear in court, where he ultimately entered a guilty plea.
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell expressed her disappointment in the officer’s actions, stating: “We expect our officers and staff to adhere to the highest standards of behaviour, even when they are not on duty. We take incidents involving public place violence of this nature very seriously, and I was extremely disappointed to hear of the actions of PC McWalter.”
PC McWalter has been suspended from duty and will now face formal misconduct proceedings. The case has raised concerns about the conduct of police officers, both on and off duty, and highlights the importance of accountability within the force.
The outcome of the misconduct proceedings and the sentencing in July will be closely watched, as the case underscores the expectation that those entrusted with upholding the law must themselves abide by it.
For now, PC McWalter remains suspended as the legal and disciplinary processes continue.
