Four police officers in court over assault claims, with two PCs accused of fracturing the arm of a man already in handcuffs

Published: 07:01 EST, 10 November 2026 | Updated: 07:03 EST, 10 November 2026 Two serving police officers assaulted a man after he was already handcuffed, a court heard today.The Sussex PCs deny fracturing the arm of the alleged victim after he was arrested.He suffered a fractured elbow during the incident at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton on April 16 this year, Sevenoaks Magistrates Court heard.PC Richard Harris, 36, from Shoreham and PC Lorenzo Fenu, 28, of Hove deny causing actual bodily harm to the man while they were detaining him.They are jointly charged with ABH following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).The officers allegedly used unlawful force on their alleged victim who had been detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act.Sussex Police made a mandatory referral to the police watchdog.They will next appear at Maidstone Crown Court on December 7.Meanwhile, two other serving police officers also denied using excessive force as they arrested a man in Crawley.PCs James Reilly, 41, from Haywards Heath and Pablo Cabanes, 25, of Horsham deny assault.Dean Ettienne suffered ligament damage during his arrest at Crawley on March 20 this year.They were jointly charged following an investigation by the police watchdog.The IOPC said they investigated a complaint from Mr Ettienne of excessive force on him.The officers will appear again at the Crown Court in Maidstone on December 7.