MATTHEW MYERS SHOCKS BANBURY WITH CHILD ABUSE IN CUSTODY CASE

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Banbury, Oxfordshire, a police officer has been found guilty of serious misconduct involving a juvenile in custody. Thames Valley Police sergeant Matthew Myers, aged 49, was convicted of assaulting a 16-year-old boy and subjecting him to humiliating treatment, including forcing him to strip naked, according to findings from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The incident took place on January 4, 2020, within the confines of a police station in Banbury. Myers, who was serving as a custody sergeant at the time, exploited his authority in a manner that has been described as a gross abuse of power. The young boy involved was in care and did not speak English as his first language, which added to the vulnerability of the situation. During the ordeal, Myers allegedly struck the boy across the face and exposed him, actions that have been characterized as clear misconduct and abuse of authority.

Investigators from the IOPC reviewed CCTV footage from the detention area, conducted interviews with detention officers, and spoke with the victim himself before forwarding the case to the Crown Prosecution Service for further action. Initially, Myers pleaded not guilty to the charges, but subsequent legal proceedings resulted in a conviction. At Luton Magistrates' Court, he was sentenced to a community order and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work. This sentencing underscores the principle that law enforcement officers are not above the law and that such unacceptable conduct will be met with appropriate consequences.

Graham Beesley, the regional director of the IOPC, issued a statement condemning Myers' actions, saying, "Myers abused his position as a custody sergeant to assault a child and he has now been convicted of that offence. His primary duty is to ensure the safety and welfare of all those who are detained, and assaulting a vulnerable, non-English speaking child is the complete opposite of what an officer should do."

Thames Valley Police has also responded to the incident, with a spokesperson stating, "A determination will be made regarding misconduct proceedings and further comment cannot be provided at this stage." The case has raised serious questions about accountability and the conduct of law enforcement officials in the region, highlighting the importance of oversight and justice in maintaining public trust.