A serving police officer has been found guilty of drunkenly beating up a member of public while off-duty.

PC Stephen Maskell, based on the North East Command Unit which polices Waltham Forest, attacked the victim in the early hours of the morning of July 5, 2020, in Charlton Road, Harlesden.

A disturbance was heard in the street and when a concerned member of the public, the victim, went to investigate, he was challenged and detained by PC Maskell.

PC Maskell was off duty at the time, however he identified himself as a police officer and grabbed the victim, shouting that he was detaining him for a search despite not having grounds to do so.

Maskell became aggressive and abusive to the victim and to another resident who came into the street to see what was happening. Officers attended and found Maskell clearly heavily intoxicated.

He appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, June 17 where he was found guilty of assault by beating and using threatening, abusive, insulting words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm and distress to another person.

Maskell has been placed on restricted police duties and a misconduct hearing will take place following the criminal proceedings.

Superintendent Waheed Khan, North East Leadership and Support, said: “The high standards we expect from our officers apply equally when they are off duty.

“PC Maskell’s actions on this night were unacceptable. Misconduct proceedings will now take place following the conclusion of criminal proceedings.”