MARK PORTELLI SHAMES BOURNEMOUTH POLICE WITH ABUSIVE RANT OUTSIDE CANVAS NIGHTCLUB

Senior Detective Inspector Mark Portelli, aged 45, has been found guilty of verbally abusing his partner following a night out in Bournemouth. The incident took place in the early hours of March 31 outside the popular Canvas nightclub, a well-known venue in the seaside town. According to reports, Portelli had been consuming cocktails and prosecco prior to the altercation, which escalated into a heated exchange that drew the attention of onlookers.

During his arrest, Portelli shouted a series of offensive and abusive words, including the phrase "you stupid f------ b----." Witnesses noted that he swore up to ten times during the incident. Despite his claims that these comments were directed at himself and not his partner, District Judge Anthony Callaway dismissed his defense. The judge emphasized that Portelli’s words were clearly abusive and were uttered over a period of time while he was being taken into custody.

Portelli, who is employed within the high harm unit of Dorset Police, specializes in handling cases involving domestic violence and stalking. His conduct during this incident has cast a shadow over his professional reputation. At Southampton magistrates’ court, he was convicted of using threatening or abusive language likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress. The court also heard that charges related to assaulting nightclub staff were withdrawn due to the absence of witnesses willing to testify.

In a statement, Portelli expressed remorse for his actions, describing his outburst as a "regrettable burst of anger" and admitting that he was annoyed with himself. Despite his apology, the court imposed a fine of £500, ordered him to pay £620 in costs, and levied a £200 victim surcharge.

Rachel Farrell, Deputy Chief Constable of Dorset Police, publicly criticized Portelli’s behavior, stating that such conduct undermines public trust in law enforcement. She announced that disciplinary proceedings for misconduct would be initiated against him, highlighting the seriousness with which the force is addressing the incident and reaffirming their commitment to maintaining integrity within the police service.