Police officer charged with assault over arrest of woman in Basildon

A police officer has been charged with assault after an arrest in Basildon.

PC Leonard Fogg, 27, who is based at Basildon police station, will appear at Ipswich Magistrates Court on October 14 on a charge of assault.

This follows an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The charge relates to an incident on March 22, 2024, when PC Fogg and another officer arrested a woman in Basildon.

As PC Fogg attempted to handcuff the woman, a struggle ensued and the officer allegedly used excessive force on the woman, including a knee strike, PAVA spray and multiple blows to her back.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct investigation began following a police conduct referral in March 2024.

Following the completion of our investigation in August 2024, the organization sent an evidence file to the Crown Prosecution Service, who approved the charges.

Essex Police have been contacted by the Echo for comment.