Pirkanmaa courthouse in Tampere, Finland. Photo:
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A senior constable has been fined by the Pirkanmaa District Court for assaulting a 15-year-old boy while on duty in the town of Nokia, near Tampere.
The court ruled on 3 July that the officer committed assault and breached his official duties during an incident that occurred in January.
According to the court, the officer struck the handcuffed teenager in the face and pressed his head into the snow. Witnesses told the court that the boy did not resist.
Two employees from child welfare services were present at the time. They testified that the boy was compliant and already restrained when the officer used force. After turning the teenager onto his back, the officer punched him, causing a visible bruise. He also directed verbal insults at the boy, the court heard.
The court concluded that the officer’s actions were neither necessary nor legally justified.
The officer denied the charges, claiming he had used force in response to an attack. He also denied striking the boy or insulting him.
The court rejected this account. It issued a penalty of 40 day-fines, amounting to around €1,300. The officer was also ordered to pay €500 to the teenager as compensation for pain and suffering.
The ruling is not final and can be appealed until 10 July. As of 9 July, the court had not received notice of an appeal.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
