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Tuesday, October 6, 2026
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The Independent·United Kingdom·

Two police officers sacked after tasering 92-year-old amputee in care home

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Ellie Crabbe

Two police officers have been sacked for gross misconduct after deploying synthetic pepper spray and a Taser on a 92-year-old amputee.

Pcs Stephen Smith and Rachel Comotto subjected Donald Burgess to "excessive force", according to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The officers arrived at a care home in St Leonards, East Sussex, on 21 June 2022 after responding to reports that a resident with a knife was threatening to stab staff.

Police bodyworn video footage showed officers entering a room where Mr Burgess, a wheelchair user with an amputated leg, had been isolated.

He was holding a cutlery knife.

Handout screengrab from body worn video issued by Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) of the incident when Donald Burgess was sprayed in the face with synthetic pepper spray before being shot by a Taser and hit with a baton, by police officers responding to a call at his care home.

Handout screengrab from body worn video issued by Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) of the incident when Donald Burgess was sprayed in the face with synthetic pepper spray before being shot by a Taser and hit with a baton, by police officers responding to a call at his care home. (PA Media)

Within 90 seconds of arriving, both officers used force against Mr Burgess, the IOPC stated.

Pc Smith sprayed Pava into the elderly man's face and struck the arm holding the knife with a baton.

Pc Comotto then discharged her Taser.

Although cleared of assault charges during a trial in May 2025, the officers were dismissed without notice on Tuesday, the IOPC said.

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