GB News presenter Michelle Dewberry has revealed an overwhelming response from viewers expressing fury over the dismissal of PC Lorne Castle, a Dorset police officer sacked for swearing at a knife-carrying teenager during an arrest.
Speaking on her programme Dewbs & Co, Michelle said the case had prompted "such an outpouring of response from viewers at home."
Michelle said: "That interview at the top of the show about the police officer that got fired with immediate effect for gross misconduct, for being a bit too rough and ready, shall we say, with a suspect that was 15-years-old I'm telling you, that has got such an outpouring of response from viewers at home.
"So many of you are absolutely furious by this, and this point that the officer didn't know that he had a knife on him. So many people are getting in touch saying this was the point the officer didn't know, so he had to use his judgment.
Michelle Dewberry said she had received an "outpouring" from viewers
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"The guy was suspected of being involved in assaults. You're not going to go in there weakly.
"Lots of you are getting in touch current officers, former officers. Reading your perspectives, you were saying, at the end of the day, Michelle, children are killing each other every single week in this country. You have to go in expecting the worst.
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"Ask yourself this. If anyone watches that arrest and feels uncomfortable, how much more uncomfortable would you feel if your son had been stabbed to death, and then you wanted the people that may or may not have been involved arrested and taken safely off the streets?
"I hear you. One of my other viewers has said, it is getting so bad for police officers in this country, they should all walk away and protect themselves now. Blimey, that would not be a great thing to happen, would it?"
The Dorset police officer was dismissed without notice following a misconduct hearing last week, after an independent panel ruled his language and conduct during the January 2024 incident constituted gross misconduct.
The incident occurred when PC Castle responded to reports that the teenager had been involved in an assault on a pensioner and another violent incident at a fast-food outlet. The 15-year-old had fled from town marshals before being apprehended.
Body-worn footage captured PC Castle telling the suspect to "Show me your f*****g hands and stop being a little b****" while placing a hand on the boy's throat during the restraint.
A knife was discovered on the teenager approximately four minutes into the interaction, after he had already been handcuffed.
Dorset Police confirmed that whilst PC Castle was responding to assault allegations, "at no time was there any suggestion of a knife or that a knife had been used."
The independent panel determined that taking the suspect to the ground was "reasonable and proportionate" but found the officer's language and other actions constituted unnecessary force.
A knife was discovered on the teenager approximately four minutes into the interaction
GettyDorset Police released body-worn video footage from the misconduct hearing to address what they called "misinformation" about the case. Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell defended the decision, stating that officers must use their powers "proportionately and with respect."
"I have the utmost respect for the vast majority of officers, who have to use force when making an arrest and do so appropriately and with professionalism, even when they are exposed to risk and violence," Farrell said.
The force emphasised that tackling violence, knife crime and antisocial behaviour remain "absolutely our priorities."
However, the independent panel concluded that PC Castle's shouting, swearing, finger pointing, and grabbing of the boy's face and throat were neither necessary nor proportionate.
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