A POLICE custody sergeant has been issued a final written warning after allegations of gross misconduct were proven following a two-day hearing at Avon and Somerset Police HQ.

Sgt Martin Fox was found to have used excessive force against a detainee at Patchway Custody Centre on August 29 last year.

The detainee had been arrested for common assault following an incident in Norrisville Road, Bristol.

A panel, led by an independent legally qualified chairman, concluded Sgt Fox’s actions breached standards relating to the use of force and discreditable conduct and amounted to misconduct and gross misconduct.

Supt Richard Corrrigan, head of professional standards, said after the hearing: "During the booking-in process in the custody suite, Sgt Fox used excessive force to restrain a detainee and his actions were not reasonable or proportionate in the circumstances.

"Sgt Fox was spat at by the detainee during this incident, but the panel have found that he failed to show self-control and his response and force used was excessive.

"The incident was brought to light after a complaint was made through our internal anonymous reporting system and a full investigation was carried out."