PC Calum Brand, a 27-year-old West Midlands Police officer, has been found guilty of assaulting a woman during the arrest of her boyfriend in Halesowen. The incident occurred on June 16 last year when four officers, including Brand, responded to a domestic disturbance at a block of flats.
Details of the Assault
The man at the address was wanted on a warrant for failing to appear in court and was described as 'largely incoherent'. As officers escorted him out of the flat into a communal stairwell, his partner attempted to intervene and approached PC Brand from behind. Brand then grabbed her hair, pinned her down by the neck, and elbowed her in the side of the head. The woman suffered facial injuries but was not seriously hurt. She was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer but later released without charge.
Investigation and Trial
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation after a mandatory conduct referral from West Midlands Police on July 4, 2025. Investigators examined body-worn video footage, took statements, interviewed Brand, and reviewed relevant training and policies. A file of evidence was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service on November 18, leading to a charge of assault by beating. Brand denied wrongdoing but was found guilty at Nottingham Magistrates Court on July 15. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 7.
IOPC Statement
IOPC Director of Engagement Derrick Campbell said: “This was a challenging situation for the officers. The man was clearly drunk, largely incoherent, and there was a struggle in the stairwell. The woman tried to intervene, and PC Brand’s response was disproportionate and unnecessary. There was no justification for the level of force he used and no attempt to de-escalate the situation. The woman did not pose a genuine threat to PC Brand and, to that point, had not shown any aggression towards the officers. She suffered facial injuries at the hands of an officer who should have been there to help protect and safeguard her.”
Misconduct Proceedings
The IOPC concluded that PC Brand had a case to answer for gross misconduct. A spokesperson said: “Now that criminal matters have concluded, it will be for West Midlands Police to hold a misconduct hearing at the earliest opportunity.”
