Former Essex officer barred from policing for excessive use of force
PC James Brett repeatedly punched a man in his head during an altercation
Last updated 25th Feb 2026
A former Essex Police officer has been barred from policing for gross misconduct.
An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation was carried out into the former officer’s use of force during an incident in Colchester.
On 7 March 2022, former PC James Brett attended a report of a domestic assault alongside his colleague. After speaking with the victim, PC Brett left the address when the male suspect arrived, in order to speak to the man outside the property.
After warning the man that he would be taken into custody if he didn’t provide his details, PC Brett went to detain the man and an altercation took place where the officer repeatedly punched the man in his head.
The man held onto the officer and did not let go, with PC Brett continuing to punch the man, including striking his face while holding handcuffs.
The man sustained injuries to his face and later briefly lost consciousness in custody. He was taken to hospital and found to have a broken nose.
Following a two-day disciplinary hearing which concluded yesterday (24 February), former PC Brett – who left the force last month after resigning - was found to have used greater force than was necessary, proportionate or reasonable in the circumstances.
The panel also found he failed to act with self-control or treat the man respectfully.
It was found that the former officer breached the police standards of professional behaviour relating to authority, respect and courtesy; use of force, and discreditable conduct. The panel found his actions amounted to gross misconduct and he would have been dismissed from the force had he still been serving. He will also be placed on police’s barred list.
IOPC Director Emily Barry said: “Any occasion where an officer uses force must be reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances. In this incident, former PC Brett used excessive and unreasonable force when he repeatedly punched the man’s head, injuring him in the process.
“Our investigation resulted in the former officer being held to account, where he has now been barred from policing following a disciplinary hearing.”