Two PCs are sacked for Tasering and pepper-spraying amputee, 92, in his care home wheelchair

From the Newshound archive · first published 6 October 2026.

PC Stephen Smith, 52, and PC Rachel Comotto, 37, have been dismissed from Sussex Police after a misconduct panel found they used unjustified and excessive force against Donald Burgess, a 92-year-old dementia sufferer and single-leg amputee at Park Beck care home in St Leonards-on-Sea. Both have been placed on the College of Policing's barred list, meaning they cannot work in policing again. Body-worn footage showed Burgess was pepper-sprayed in the face, struck with a baton and Tasered — all within 83 seconds of the officers entering his room.

Smith drew his pepper spray within nine seconds of entering the room, asking Burgess: 'Do you want to be sprayed or Tasered?'

The panel ruled Burgess posed 'no threat' to other residents, having been isolated in his own room with a dinner knife.

Burgess was taken in handcuffs to a police station after the incident and died three weeks later after contracting Covid-19.