West Yorkshire Police officer due in court charged over allegations of 'excessive force'
The officer is alleged to have kicked a suspect in the head during an arrest
Last updated 11th Aug 2026
A West Yorkshire Police officer is due in court charged with assault, after allegations he used excessive force during an arrest last year.
PC James Barnes is accused of one count of actual bodily harm dating to September 28 2025 in Leeds.
Barnes and another West Yorkshire officer approached a suspected drink driver and led him away from a vehicle.
A passenger then got out of the car and attempted to walk away, before being tackled to the floor by PC Barnes, who is alleged to have kicked him in the head.
The man lost consciousness for several minutes.
PC Barnes is due before Sheffield Magistrates Court on Thursday (August 13).