Cambridge Constabulary police sergeant to appear at court charged with assault

A Cambridge Constabulary police sergeant will appear at court charged with racially aggravated assault by beating, assault by beating and administering a poison or noxious thing.

This follows an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after a referral was received from the force relating to a complaint made by a man who alleged the officer had used excessive force against him while he was in custody.

Police Sergeant (PS) Gregory Wyss, 45, is due to appear at Ipswich Magistrates' Court on Friday 20 August.

The charges relate to the arrest and restraint of a Polish man and the use of PAVA spray, whilst he was in custody at Peterborough Police Station, on 2 January 2021.

Our investigation began in February 2021 and concluded in June 2021. On 11 June 2021 we referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The officer was notified of the CPS’ charging decision on 29 June 2021.

• On 25 July 2022, PS Wyss was found not guilty of racially aggravated assault by beating and not guilty of assault by beating, at Cambridge Crown Court. The third charge, administering a poision or noxious thing, was dropped by the prosecution ahead of the trial.
• Now the trial has ended Cambridge Constabulary will review whether the officer will be subject to disciplinary proceedings. Our investigation found PS Wyss had a case to answer for gross misconduct and we directed they hold a misconduct hearing. Under the legislation, the IOPC will make the final determination over any disciplinary proceedings that may follow, after consultation with the force.