Trinity Professional Disciplinary and Misconduct barrister, Steven Reed, successfully defended PC Smith at a Police Misconduct Hearing conducted over 29 and 30 September 2025 held at Lincolnshire Police’s Headquarters, in Lincoln.
PC Smith faced allegations of using excessive force and acting disrespectfully towards an arrested male prisoner. PC Smith was found by the Panel to have used excessive force on 2 of the 3 alleged occasions. Her initial use of force was found to be justified. The Panel also found that PC Smith had acted discourteously towards the male, before determining that the totality of their findings amounted to a collective act of gross misconduct.
Despite these findings, Steven persuaded the Panel that the appropriate sanction in this case was a final written warning, preventing the officer from being dismissed.
Steven was instructed by Mr. Mark Smith from DJMS Solicitors in this case.
Press coverage includes:
Steven specialises in all aspects of Police misconduct. Prior to joining the Bar, Steven was a Police Superintendent. He regularly represents Police Officers and Police Authorities at Misconduct Hearings across England.
Having been recognised as a Tier 1 Leading Junior under Professional Disciplinary Law in 2026's Legal 500, Steven features regularly in the leading legal directory, with recent entries including:
"His advice is always timely, thorough and well set out, making it easy to relay to the lay client. He is approachable and always happy to answer any questions on a case."
"Steven is an excellent barrister. His advocacy is measured and well thought out"
"Steven has a no-nonsense approach and is quickly able to reassure clients. He is tenacious and his understanding of police conduct matters is second to none"
"A junior with a cool and understated advocacy style"
Legal 500