Two serving Metropolitan Police officers have been charged with common assault following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into an incident in Hendon last year.

The charges relate to an incident after the officers stopped a man on Wykeham Road, Hendon (NW4) on 28th December 2021.  

Sgt Emily Joshi and PC Oz Yelken, who are both based on the Met’s North West Basic Command Unit, were charged by postal requisition and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 15th July charged with common assault.

The Met says they have both been placed on restricted duties and that this will be reviewed.

The IOPC has issued a statement saying: “Our investigation followed a referral from the MPS in May this year (2022), after they received a complaint that excessive force had been used by the officers.

In June we passed a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised the charges contrary to section 39 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988.”

Responding to the news that charges had been brought, local borough commander, chief superintendent Sara Leach said: “I know that this charge will, of course, be concerning. We have fully supported the IOPC with their investigation.

“As criminal proceedings are now active, I am unable to provide any more comment as it is really important that we do not undermine or interfere with this case.”

The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards is aware of the situation and misconduct matters will be considered once the criminal proceedings have concluded.

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