Story perspectives

Sussex misconduct hearing continues for Stephen Smith and Rachel Comotto

By Drooid · Oct 1, 2026, 10:20 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Sussex Police opened a misconduct hearing for PC Stephen Smith and PC Rachel Comotto over a 2022 incident.
The officers were accused of using Pava spray, a baton and a Taser on 92-year-old Donald Burgess, who had dementia.
Both officers were acquitted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in May 2025.
Comotto faces a misconduct allegation for a Facebook joke about care homes, which could lead to a warning or dismissal.

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Story summary

Sussex Police opened a misconduct hearing for PC Stephen Smith and PC Rachel Comotto over a 2022 incident.
The officers were accused of using Pava spray, a baton and a Taser on 92-year-old Donald Burgess, who had dementia.
Both officers were acquitted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in May 2025.
Comotto faces a misconduct allegation for a Facebook joke about care homes, which could lead to a warning or dismissal.