A police constable working in Lewisham has been convicted of common assault.

PC Ben Cowen, 37, based on Lewisham Borough, had previously pleaded not guilty to the charge of actual bodily harm.

He was found guilty at Bexley Magistrates Court on Wednesday, October 19.

PC Cowen was arrested on Thursday, July 14 following reports of an altercation at an address in Bexley involving a 31-year-old man.

The officer was given a conditional discharge for one year and fined £775.

He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20.

He has been placed on restricted duties.

Now that criminal proceedings have been completed, a misconduct review will take place.

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