A West Yorkshire Police officer has been sentenced following his conviction for assaulting a moped rider during an arrest in Leeds last December. PC David Watson-Walker, 43, was called to reports of dangerous riding on 17 December 2024, and video evidence from body cameras and CCTV documented him delivering four knee strikes and three punches to the rider's head whilst the man was already apprehended on the ground. The victim required hospital treatment for injuries to his head, face, and ankle.

Sheffield Magistrates' Court imposed a £440 fine for common assault. The Independent Office for Police Conduct investigated and concluded the officer's actions constituted excessive and unreasonable force contrary to policing standards. West Yorkshire Police confirmed that formal misconduct proceedings will follow the criminal conviction, with officials emphasising that whilst officers may lawfully use force, any such action must be necessary, proportionate, and in line with training—requirements that were not met in this incident.