Security officers sentenced following violent assault at Liverpool Central

Two security officers who broke a man’s leg as they removed him from Liverpool’s Central Station have been sentenced after pleading guilty to affray, following a British Transport Police investigation.

John Smitton, aged 39, of  Elderdale Road, Liverpool and John Moncrieff, aged 49, of Silverdale Road, Orrell, Wigan, both employees of Carlisle Security Services, each received a 12 month sentence suspended for 18 months and were ordered to complete 240 hours unpaid work.

Both are also subject to a four month electronic curfew.

 A third security officer was found not guilty at a trial on 26 August last year.

The court heard how on 6 September 2018 the victim had been refused travel by Merseyrail staff at Liverpool Central Station in accordance with their Travel Safe Policy as they believed he was too intoxicated. The victim denied he was drunk and still wanted to use the train.

Smitton and Moncrieff stepped in and grabbed hold of each of each of the victim’s arms to remove him from the station.

As they released him into the mall area the then 48-year-old victim repeatedly asked why he was being removed and under what power.

In response to his questions the two turned him around and pushed him face first into the wall, with his face hitting the corner of the wall. He turned around to face the pair who then pinned him to the ground with such force that the victim repeatedly cried out in pain and begged for them to let go.

The victim suffered two breaks to his leg and concussion from the assault. He was immediately rushed to hospital by ambulance. He has since had seven separate operations on his leg and doctors believe the injury could be life altering.

 BTP detective constable Scott Mccabe said: “This was a clear instance of security officers using unnecessary force to remove someone from the railway.

“The victim continues to struggle with health issues caused by the assault and we are pleased that the matter has now been concluded.”