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PC Sacha Azizi gets written warning after Channel 5 film crew captures Walderslade misconduct on camera

A police officer has been given a written warning after entering a property without a warrant and abusing the occupants.

The entire incident was filmed by a Channel 5 crew who were documenting the work of Kent Police's Gypsy Liaison Team.

PC Sacha Azizi led a team of several officers as they went in search of a suspected arsonist at a house in Honeysuckle Close, Walderslade, in May 2017.

Sacha Azizi received a written warning
Sacha Azizi received a written warning

PCs Daniel Baker and Jai Shoker were also present.

Footage played to a misconduct panel at police headquarters in Sutton Road, Maidstone, on Monday showed PC Azizi pushing his way into the house despite not having a warrant.

The heavily pregnant occupant had already told him he could not enter and twice asked if he had the authority to do so.

PCs Azizi and Baker searched for the suspect but were told numerous times by the woman and her husband to get out.

When PC Azizi did leave he made comments about putting the family dog down, coming back to arrest the husband and said taking the couple's children into care would "do them a favour".

In his vehicle he referred to the husband as "one of Medway's finest" and said it was a shame he wasn't wanted as they could have "dragged him out on to the street".

Kent Police Headquarters, Sutton Road, Maidstone where the hearing was held
Kent Police Headquarters, Sutton Road, Maidstone where the hearing was held

Following an Independent Office for Police Conduct investigation into the incident PC Azizi was charged with gross misconduct.

PC Baker also faced gross misconduct allegations as he also entered the property and failed to challenge PC Azizi on his behaviour.

PC Shoker faced gross misconduct allegations after allegedly giving a misleading witness statement.

At Monday's hearing PC Shoker was cleared before the allegations had even been outlined after the panel was told Kent Police had bungled an initial investigation.

PC Shoker's witness statement was given in very informal circumstances, several weeks after the incident and without him having access to his note book.

Yesterday PC Baker was also cleared of any wrongdoing.

A case of misconduct, and not the more serious gross misconduct allegation, against PC Azizi was proved.

He was given a written warning.

Kent Police’s Head of Complaints and Misconduct, Superintendent Nick Gossett said: "In the case of PC Azizi the panel concluded that he had breached the standards of professional behaviour in relation to authority, respect and courtesy and his actions amounted to discreditable conduct."

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