PC Liam Newman Acquitted in Redbridge Taser Assault Case

Key Points

• A Metropolitan Police officer, PC Liam Newman, aged 31, has been acquitted of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
• The incident occurred on 24 April 2022 in Chigwell Road, Woodford Green, Redbridge, where 61-year-old Leonard Sandiford suffered life-changing injuries after falling from an outbuilding following being Tasered by PC Newman.
• PC Newman, based at the East Area Command, pleaded not guilty to the charge on 20 November 2024, following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
• PC Newman has remained on restricted duties since the incident.
• Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, responsible for policing in Redbridge, expressed sympathy for Mr Sandiford and emphasised the need for scrutiny of police actions, while defending the use of Tasers as a vital tool.
• Following the criminal acquittal, the Metropolitan Police will liaise with the IOPC regarding potential misconduct proceedings.
• The case highlights ongoing debates about police use of force, particularly Tasers, in high-pressure situations.

Woodford Green (East London Times) January 13, 2026 – A Metropolitan Police officer has been cleared of assault charges stemming from a 2022 incident in Redbridge that left a 61-year-old man with life-changing injuries. PC Liam Newman, 31, was found not guilty of grievous bodily harm at Southwark Crown Court today after a trial that scrutinised his use of a Taser. The acquittal concludes the criminal proceedings but leaves open the possibility of internal misconduct action.

What Happened During the Incident?

The incident unfolded on 24 April 2022 along Chigwell Road in Woodford Green, a residential area within the London Borough of Redbridge. PC Liam Newman, deployed from the East Area Command Unit, deployed a Taser during an encounter with Leonard Sandiford, then aged 61. Mr Sandiford fell from an outbuilding, sustaining severe injuries described in court as life-changing.

As detailed in the official Metropolitan Police statement, the event prompted an immediate referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for investigation. PC Newman was charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm and entered a not guilty plea on 20 November 2024. He has been assigned to restricted duties throughout the nearly four-year process, reflecting standard protocol in such cases.

The trial at Southwark Crown Court, which concluded on 13 January 2026, examined the circumstances leading to the Taser deployment. Jurors deliberated on whether PC Newman’s actions constituted unlawful assault, ultimately acquitting him.

Who Is PC Liam Newman and What Is His Role?

PC Liam Newman, aged 31 at the time of the verdict, serves with the Metropolitan Police Service’s East Area Command, covering key boroughs including Redbridge. Based in this unit, he responds to a range of frontline duties, often involving high-risk situations requiring split-second decisions.

Since the 2022 incident, PC Newman has not returned to full operational duties. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that, post-acquittal, discussions with the IOPC will determine any misconduct proceedings. This step underscores the dual-track accountability process: criminal courts for offences and internal tribunals for professional standards.

No prior disciplinary history for PC Newman was mentioned in available reports, positioning this as a singular, high-profile case in his career.

What Injuries Did Leonard Sandiford Sustain?

Leonard Sandiford, a 61-year-old resident at the time, suffered grievous bodily harm after falling from an outbuilding following the Taser discharge. The injuries have been consistently described across statements as “life-changing,” impacting his quality of life profoundly.

Details from the IOPC investigation and court proceedings highlight the severity, though specifics such as spinal damage or mobility loss were not publicly detailed to protect Mr Sandiford’s privacy. The fall occurred immediately after the Taser was used, forming the crux of the prosecution’s case.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell addressed the human cost directly in the official response.

What Did Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell Say?

Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, who oversees policing in Redbridge, issued a statement conveying empathy and operational context. He said:

“Our thoughts today are with Mr Sandiford who has been left with life-changing injuries following this tragic incident. It is always a matter of huge regret when an individual comes to harm following contact with police and vital that in such circumstances officers be held to the highest level of scrutiny. They face challenging situations everyday and have to make difficult decisions in the moment.”

Bell further elaborated: “We understand the concern caused by incidents of this nature and will be working with our local residents, partner agencies, and key members of those communities directly affected to understand any impact and provide support. We believe that Taser remains a vital tool but will continue to review its use and provide regular training to officers to ensure they are using the tactic appropriately.”

These remarks, attributed to the Metropolitan Police’s Redbridge leadership, balance regret with defence of police tools.

Why Was PC Newman Acquitted?

The acquittal at Southwark Crown Court on 13 January 2026 followed a full trial where the prosecution failed to prove assault occasioning grievous bodily harm beyond reasonable doubt. Evidence likely centred on the necessity of Taser use in the moment, given officers’ training and threat assessment protocols.

The IOPC’s prior investigation fed into the Crown Prosecution Service’s decision to charge, but jurors determined PC Newman’s actions did not cross into criminality. This outcome aligns with legal thresholds distinguishing lawful force from assault.

No direct quotes from PC Newman or his legal team emerged post-verdict, maintaining focus on the official record.

What Happens Next for PC Newman?

With criminal matters resolved, the Metropolitan Police stated it “will liaise with the IOPC around misconduct proceedings.” This could involve a gross misconduct hearing, potentially leading to dismissal, suspension, or clearance, depending on findings.

PC Newman remains on restricted duties, barring him from public-facing or armed roles. The timeline for misconduct review remains unspecified, often taking months amid backlogged IOPC caseloads.

Local policing in Redbridge continues unabated, with East Area Command maintaining coverage.

What Role Did the IOPC Play?

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) spearheaded the investigation from the outset, as mandated for serious injury cases involving police actions. Their probe, initiated post-incident on 24 April 2022, culminated in the referral for criminal charges on 20 November 2024.

IOPC oversight ensures independence, scrutinising Taser use against national guidance. Post-acquittal, they will advise on misconduct, a process Bell referenced in his statement.

How Does This Fit into Broader Taser Use Debates?

Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell affirmed:

“We believe that Taser remains a vital tool but will continue to review its use and provide regular training to officers to ensure they are using the tactic appropriately.”

This reflects national discourse on conducted energy devices (CEDs), deployed over 100,000 times annually by UK forces.

Metropolitan Police data shows Tasers de-escalate most encounters without injury, yet critics highlight risks to vulnerable individuals. Redbridge’s community engagement, as pledged by Bell, aims to address concerns.

The incident occurred amid rising scrutiny post-2022, including IOPC recommendations for enhanced training.

What Is the Community Impact in Redbridge?

Woodford Green and wider Redbridge, home to diverse communities, witnessed heightened concern over the 2022 event. Bell committed to collaboration:

“We understand the concern caused by incidents of this nature and will be working with our local residents, partner agencies, and key members of those communities directly affected to understand any impact and provide support.”

No widespread protests followed, but the acquittal may prompt discussions at community forums. Redbridge’s policing relies on trust, tested by such cases.

Where Does This Incident Fit in Metropolitan Police History?

Chigwell Road lies in Woodford Green, a suburban stretch policed by the East Area Command Unit spanning multiple East London boroughs. The 2022 event joins a series of Taser-related probes, though acquittals like this affirm operational legality in many instances.

Southwark Crown Court, handling complex police trials, delivered the not guilty verdict on 13 January 2026, closing the criminal chapter.