PCs who Tasered amputee, 92, used excessive force
A disciplinary panel has found two police officers guilty of gross misconduct for using excessive force against a 92-year-old dementia patient in a wheelchair. The officers used a baton, pepper spray, and a Taser on Donald Burgess, who was holding a dinner knife, before he later died in the hospital.
Why it matters
The case highlights ongoing debates regarding police training, the use of force against vulnerable individuals, and accountability within law enforcement.
Image source, Family handout Image caption, Donald Burgess, who had dementia, was Pava sprayed and Tasered in his wheelchair
In Lewes Published 6 October 2026, 12:48 BST Updated 13 minutes ago Two police officers who Tasered a 92-year-old amputee at a care home committed gross misconduct, a disciplinary panel has found.
PC Stephen Smith and PC Rachel Comotto, who were both acquitted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in May 2025, had been called to Park Beck care home in St Leonards-on-Sea after resident Donald Burgess threatened carers with a dinner knife.
Burgess, who had dementia, was hit with a baton, pepper sprayed and Tasered as he sat in his wheelchair in his bedroom in June 2022.
At a hearing at Sussex Police headquarters in Lewes, a panel decided there was "unjustified and excessive use of force" and gross misconduct had been proven for both officers.
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