A police officer who punched a suspect in the face after he allegedly spat in his mouth has been spared jail and made the subject of a community order.
Police Constable Rohan Scarlett from Croydon, was accused of assaulting Andrew Uba as he put him in a police van on February 20.
The 47-year-old, based in Lewisham, was on duty and transferring the prisoner from Islington police station when the incident happened.
PC Scarlett denied common assault, but was found guilty following his trial at Highbury Magistrates' Court in August.
On Friday he was sentenced to a three month community order, given a curfew and ordered to pay compensation to his victim.
Commander Allan Gibson, Metropolitan Police Service Directorate of Professional Standards, said: "I appreciate there was alleged provocation in this case, but police officers are expected to remain professional at all times; irrespective of provocation.
"PC Scarlett failed to remain professional."
PC Scarlett remains suspended and the Met's misconduct process is continuing.
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