Police officer guilty of assaulting woman in her car during parking row

Lindsay Clark, 53, of Howgill Close, Bolton Low Houses, Wigton, dislocated Karen Maskall's finger, causing extensive tissue damage, in the incident at Appleby Horse Fair last year.

Clark has now been placed in a non-public facing role and is under investigation for disciplinary matters, Cumbria police has confirmed.

Miss Maskall was dropping off her friend at home when she stopped in a no-parking zone. Clark told Miss Maskall she couldn't wait there and asked if she couldn't read the no-parking signs.

An argument between the two escalated until Clark pushed the top half of his body into her driver's window, then grabbed, pulled and twisted her finger.

Clark refuted Miss Maskall's version of events during a trial at North and West Magistrates' Court in Carlisle, saying the car was parked in a no-parking area and he had noticed an object while speaking to the driver in his peripheral vision but he just swatted it away with his open hand. He did not believe it was a finger.

Miss Maskall was terrified by the assault, the court heard.

District Judge Gerald Chalk said although it was tragic that Clark was losing his reputation, the incident was a breach of trust.

Clark must do 180 hours of community service in 12 months, pay compensation of £300 and trial costs of £600.

Cumbria's deputy chief constable Michelle Skeer said: "The Constabulary expects the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and conduct from all police officers at all times.

"Police officers are trained to use force as a part of their roles and responsibilities and only to the extent that is necessary, proportionate, reasonable and in accordance with guidelines.

“We take any allegations of inappropriate behaviour from any of our officers seriously to ensure our communities can have trust and confidence in us.

“We investigate any reports thoroughly and encourage anyone with any concerns to call 101 and speak to the professional standards department.”