Overview
- The assault took place after six children called 999 on 14 October 2025, when a 13‑year‑old in school uniform asked for help and stood in front of a police car at Monkton Park station.
- Body‑worn camera footage publicly released by the Independent Office for Police Conduct shows PC Daniel Rusling pushing, grabbing and swearing at the boy while dragging him by his jumper.
- Rusling admitted one count of assault by beating in May and on 30 June 2026 was sentenced to eight weeks' custody suspended for 12 months and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.
- The IOPC said an initial shove to move the child from the vehicle may have been justified but that Rusling’s continued conduct was disproportionate, and the watchdog concluded he has a case to answer for gross misconduct.
- Wiltshire Police apologised to the victim and his family, described the actions as criminal, and will hold an expedited misconduct hearing that could lead to professional discipline or dismissal and affect public confidence in the force.