Victoria police officer charged with assaulting teenager during arrest

A Victoria police officer faces four assault charges over the alleged treatment of a teenager during an arrest in Melbourne’s west last October.

The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission’s Focused Police Complaints Team investigated allegations that a leading senior constable unlawfully assaulted the teenager in Braybrook. The officer allegedly struck the teenager multiple times with a baton and stood on them while they were restrained on the ground.

The charges include two counts of aggravated assault with a weapon and two counts of unlawful assault. The officer is expected to appear before Sunshine Magistrates’ Court in October.

The investigation followed complaints about the force used during the arrest. Last year, the complaints team assessed 105 complaints against Victoria Police and opened 28 investigations, resulting in charges against one officer. Victoria Police has been asked for comment.