Police officer suspended over 'chokehold' offence

A police officer will face misconduct proceedings after admitting a charge of non-fatal strangulation.

PC Tyler McWalter pleaded guilty to the offence, which involved a man being put in a "chokehold" during an altercation in Weymouth.

The 30-year-old Dorset Police officer was off duty at the time of the incident outside Kika Beach Bar on the Esplanade on 14 September 2024.

Weymouth Magistrates' Court heard the victim suffered haemorrhaging to his left eye as well as a sore neck and throat.

Dorset Police previously said the PC was on "restricted duties" since the incident.

In a statement, the force confirmed he has now been suspended and will face formal misconduct proceedings.

Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said: "We expect our officers and staff to adhere to the highest standards of behaviour even when they are not on duty.

"We take incidents involving public place violence of this nature very seriously and I was extremely disappointed to hear of the actions of PC McWalter."

PC McWalter was released on bail and is due to be sentenced on 3 July.

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