Devon and Cornwall Police officers found not guilty of assault on man in Exeter

Two Devon and Cornwall Police officers have been found not guilty of assaulting a man in Exeter, following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation. 

Police Constables Emmit Wookey, 30,and Liam Dunn, 28, had been charged with assault by beating but were acquitted today (Thursday) after a three-day trial at Bristol Magistrates’ Court. 

Following a Devon and Cornwall Police complaint referral, we investigated an incident where officers stopped and searched a man on New North Road, near to the junction with Longbrook Street, in Exeter city centre in the early hours of Sunday 19 March 2023.

During the investigation, IOPC investigators interviewed the three officers who carried out the stop and search. We obtained witness statements from the complainant, from members of the public, and other police officers who had some involvement. We also reviewed police body worn video and CCTV which captured the interaction. 

IOPC regional director David Ford said: “At the end of our investigation in September last year we referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service who decided to bring the charges of common assault. It was appropriate for the evidence from our investigation of force used against the man to be tested in court. The district judge has now found the two police officers not guilty.”

Now the criminal trial has concluded we will be liaising with Devon and Cornwall Police over any potential disciplinary proceedings for officers arising from the incident.