A PROBATIONARY police officer who was convicted of assaulting a woman while drunk off-duty yesterday (Tuesday March 23) resigned from West Midlands Police.
PC Oliver Banfield, 25, who had been suspended by the force, will still face a misconduct hearing in due course.
Following an investigation by Warwickshire Police, Banfield was convicted of grabbing mum-of-two Emma Homer, as she walked home in Bidford-on-Avon last July and attempted to tackle her to the ground,
Deputy Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine, of West Midlands Police, said: “Today I have accepted the resignation of PC Oliver Banfield.
“I want to stress that former PC Banfield will still face an accelerated misconduct hearing, chaired by the Chief Constable, in the near future.
“The misconduct process had had to wait until after criminal and court processes concluded, because of police regulations.
“I will make the outcome of that hearing public as soon as I can.
“I recognise the distress Emma Homer – who was assaulted and verbally abused by Banfield – has suffered during this time.
“We have spoken to her today to update her on the resignation of former PC Banfield and will continue to keep her updated.”
Banfield was sentenced last Friday at Leicester magistrates court to a 14-week curfew, banning him from leaving his house between 7pm and 7am.
His lawyer argued against community service, saying it would be difficult for him to work with criminals and he was ordered to pay Ms Homer £500 compensation and court costs totalling £180.
But his sentencing came under fire from campaigners following the death of 33-year-old Sarah Everard, who is alleged to have been killed earlier this month by a Metropolitan Police officer.
Labour MP Harriet Harman tweeted on March 19: “Policeman attacks woman walking home alone after dark. Must have been terrifying for her but no prison sentence. He continues in post.
“This is proof, if any needed, that system fails women and protects men.”
She urged West Midlands Police to review the case.
Banfield admitted a charge of assault by beating in court at Leamington Spa.
The court heard that Banfield used techniques taught during police training to grab Homer by the neck and try to pull her to the ground as she screamed.
