Two Officers Sacked After Tasing and Pepper-Spraying 92-Year-Old in Care Home

Two officers dismissed after tasing and pepper-spraying 92-year-old amputee at East Sussex care home. Police watchdog confirms gross misconduct.

Editorial Desk

October 6, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — East Sussex, United Kingdom — Two police officers have been dismissed for gross misconduct following an incident in which they used a Taser and synthetic pepper spray on a 92-year-old amputee at a care home, according to the police watchdog.

The officers, PC Stephen Smith and PC Rachel Comotto, were found guilty of serious disciplinary violations after deploying force against Donald Burgess, who had dementia and was an amputee. The case was brought before a misconduct hearing, where the behavior of the officers was criticized as inappropriate and excessive.

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During the incident, Burgess was subjected to both a Taser and PAVA spray, leading to widespread public condemnation. The police watchdog confirmed that the actions of the two officers were deemed to be in violation of departmental guidelines, resulting in their termination. The event has sparked renewed debate over the use of force by law enforcement in care facilities.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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