Yeovil Woman Accuses Police of Unlawful Entry and Assault During Boyfriend’s Arrest
A Yeovil woman has lodged a formal complaint against Avon and Somerset Police, alleging that officers unlawfully entered her home and used unnecessary force during an incident on November 22. The incident occurred at her residence in Yeovil , where her boyfriend, was arrested. The allegations claim significant breaches of police protocol, including unlawful entry, aggressive behavior, and failure to notify the occupants of bodycam recording.
Alleged Incident Details
According to the complaint, police officers arrived at the property at approximately 11:30 PM and knocked on the door. The woman, who lives with her elderly parents and two young children, reportedly asked the officers to identify themselves multiple times but received no response.
Then she noticed 'people' attempting to open the door by way of the door handle, to which she grabbed.
Concerned for the family’s safety, she grabbed the door handle cautiously while holding back the family dog.
She claims that when she saw torch light, and having the dog by her side, she felt safe enough to open the door, to the non identifying persons, who had been constantly knocking the door, without identifying themselves.
The woman claims that despite asking the officers to wait outside while she secured the dog and alerted her partner, one officer forcibly prevented her from closing the door by placing his foot inside. Three officers then entered the house without consent or a warrant.
When the woman moved to a downstairs bedroom to make herself decent, she alleges an officer pushed the door open with unnecessary force, causing injuries to her foot and knee.
It's claimed 5/6 officers were deployed to arrest the sleeping man.
Boyfriend's Account
The boyfriend, who was asleep at the time, stated he was awoken by the officers barging forcibly into the bedroom and three officers standing at the end of the bed. He claims the officers admitted to not having a warrant and that body cameras were recording but failed to notify the occupants as required.
The boyfriend and his partner allege the officers were dismissive when confronted about their actions. One officer allegedly smirked when informed of the injury caused, further aggravating the situation. Whilst another officer threatened to arrest the woman for pointing her finger.
Key Allegations
- Unlawful Entry: The complaint asserts that the officers entered the property without a warrant or legal grounds.
- Use of Excessive Force: The woman claims she was injured when a male officer forcibly pushed open a door, whilst she dressed.
- Unprofessional Conduct: The officers are accused of behaving aggressively,outside the bounds of legal powers, with one allegedly threatening to arrest the woman unnecessarily.
- Bodycam Notification Failure: The officers reportedly did not inform the occupants they were being recorded, violating protocol. Officers claimed they didn't have to advise they were recording.
Formal Complaint and Demands
The boyfriend and his partner have called for:
- A review of bodycam footage from the incident.
- An investigation into the alleged assault and injury caused.
- Disciplinary actions against the officers involved.
- An explanation of the grounds for entry without a warrant.
- A formal apology and financial compensation for distress caused to the family.
Legal Context
Under UK law, police can only enter a property without a warrant in specific circumstances, such as preventing immediate harm, pursuing a suspect involved in a serious crime, or enforcing a court order. The complainants assert that none of these conditions applied in this case, making the entry unlawful. In fact they claim, the boyfriend, is a gentle natured person, who would have simply got out of bed and attended the door.
Furthermore, police officers are required to notify individuals when their body-worn cameras are recording unless doing so would escalate the situation. The failure to provide such notification could be a breach of procedure.
Police Response and Next Steps
Avon and Somerset Police staff at Avonmouth have today contacted the woman in question, who has made the official complaint.
The family has expressed their determination to seek justice, stating the incident caused significant distress, particularly to the vulnerable members of their household. The outcome of the investigation will be closely monitored by the local community.
Meanwhile this evening the boyfriend told YRN, ' It was like something you watch on TV when terrorists are arrested, to me the three officers broke all the rules of making an arrest, they didn't notify who they were, for all my partner knew they could have been burglars or even more sinister as a person has been harassing the property and making threats - don't the police check their records or do background research?
' They didn't have a warrant, so to me they shouldn't be trying the door handle and trying to open the door. Once in the three officers could have waited in the hall, to allow us to dress, instead of forcing the door as they did and assaulting my partner in the process.There was no need for any of it, it was as if they came with an agenda. Know doubt though, they will try and cover it all up!
A Lawyer now looking at the case said: ' It appears to be overzealous policing for sure, especially as my client had nothing to hide and cooperated with the Police at all times during the evening and next day at Bridgewater Police Station. It doesn't appear any legal protocol has been followed by the arresting officers, He was in bed, committing no crime, and of course totally innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The police have confirmed they will study the footage on Thursday, whilst my client has requested the footage to this alarming incident, homing two young children and pensioners approaching 80 years old. Ironically I'm understood a Detective Constable had contacted my client by telephone the day before, stating she was calling about his welfare, with no indication of any pending arrest or requests to speak with the police.
We will wait for the police review on Thursday before deciding what proceedings to take, whilst the claim for common assault by a police officer has been lodged.'
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