A West Yorkshire Police officer has been charged with assault following investigation

West Yorkshire Police officer charged with assault following investigation into allegations he used excessive force during man’s arrest

A West Yorkshire Police officer has been charged with assault after an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into allegations he used excessive force during a man’s arrest.

PC James Barnes, 30, faces one count of actual bodily harm (ABH) against a man who was arrested on September 28, 2025, in Leeds.

PC Barnes and another West Yorkshire Police (WYP) officer had approached the driver of a car who they suspected to be driving while intoxicated.

After leading the suspected drink-driver away from the vehicle, a passenger got out of the car and began to walk away.

Police stock image. (Pic credit: Sam Shedden)

Shortly after, the other WYP officer took the passenger to the ground before PC Barnes allegedly kicked the man in the head. The man appeared to lose consciousness for several minutes.

PC Barnes is due to appear at Sheffield Magistrates Court for a first appearance on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The charge follows a mandatory code referral made by WYP to the police on September 29, 2025.