Representing the Met Police, Alan Jenkins told the hearing the search had been “a botched operation'” and that there had been a “comprehensive failure to follow the proper approach” regarding a stop and search.
The panel heard the man had been sitting inside his parked Mercedes when an unmarked police car drew up with three officers inside including PC Binala and PC Dunne, who were in plain clothes.
PC Binala told the hearing that he carried out the search after detecting a strong smell of cannabis from the Mercedes, but the panel found he lied because the window of the car was closed.
Panel chair Christopher McKay said body-worn video footage captured by a police sergeant who was also present showed the officers verbally abusing the man, and the struggle appeared to involve them “hitting or beating” him.
The man told the panel following the incident he is “still very apprehensive” around police officers.
