Policeman given final warning after scuffle with SE1 schoolboy

PC Kehinde Meshe this week attended a Metropolitan Police misconduct hearing to answer allegations that his conduct amounted to a breach of the standards of professional behaviour in respect of use of force, authority, respect and courtesy and discreditable conduct.

The incident took place at the London Nautical School in Stamford Street in April 2015.

It was alleged at the hearing that PC Meshe's use of force towards a student was unnecessary, disproportionate and unreasonable.

The panel heard he took hold of a 14-year-old pupil's armwhen the boy refused to stop taking part in a playground game in what PC Meshe considered to be a reckless and disruptive manner.

There was an altercation during which PC Meshe pushed the boy against a wall and kneed him in the stomach.

The pupil hit PC Meshe in the face and the officer punched him back.

The scuffle was broken up by staff at the Lambeth boys' secondary school.

Having considered all the evidence, the panel, led by an independent chair, concluded that PC Meshe had acted without self-control and his use of force was wrong.

They accepted his previous good character and that this was an isolated lapse of judgement.

They found gross misconduct proven and issued a final written warning.