An experienced and highly respected police officer in Dorset has just been fired—sparking outrage across the country.
The incident that cost him his job? A tense arrest involving a knife-carrying teenager in Bournemouth.
Many are now questioning whether this was justice or a harsh overreaction.
Nine Years on the Force and a Reputation for Bravery
PC Lorne Castle, 46, wasn’t just another officer.
He had built a solid reputation over nine years with Dorset Police, earning national bravery awards and saving lives—including pulling an elderly woman from a raging river just last year.
But despite his accolades, Castle now finds himself barred from the profession entirely.
What Happened in Bournemouth?
On January 27, 2024, in Bournemouth town centre, Castle confronted a 15-year-old boy suspected of attacking an elderly man and clashing with another teen outside McDonald’s.
The boy had also reportedly fled from town rangers before Castle intercepted him on Richmond Hill.
What unfolded next was caught on Castle’s body-worn camera: he shoved the teen against a wall, brought him to the ground, and attempted to restrain him.
While doing so, Castle swore at the boy and called him derogatory names like “little b***h.”
He also placed his hand on the teen’s face and pointed a finger at him while yelling.
During the scuffle, a Stanley knife fell out of the boy’s waistband.
Internal Concerns Spark Investigation
Despite the physical nature of the arrest, neither the teen nor his family lodged a complaint.
It was Castle’s colleagues who raised red flags after reviewing the footage.
A formal investigation followed and stretched out over 16 months.
Castle admitted during the disciplinary hearing that he had lost his cool.
He tearfully apologized and said the arrest triggered flashbacks from a traumatic earlier incident involving a drug dealer who had nearly attacked him.
“I panicked and became overwhelmed,” he told the panel.
Panel Rules on ‘Gross Misconduct’
The hearing, led by Assistant Chief Constable Deborah Smith, ruled Castle’s actions to be gross misconduct.
While the use of force was deemed lawful, the panel found that his language, tone, and behaviour failed to meet the standards of professionalism expected of an officer.
In particular, the panel concluded Castle’s conduct was intimidating, aggressive, and disrespectful—even if the suspect was resisting.
They ultimately ruled that his actions had damaged public trust and warranted immediate dismissal.
Supporters Say He Was Thrown Under the Bus
The verdict has sparked a firestorm. Norman Brennan, a retired police officer and founder of the group Protect the Protectors, called the decision “bloody madness.”
“Officers in dangerous situations don’t always speak politely—it’s not a tea party,” he said.
“You can’t expect perfection when someone is trying to arrest a knife-carrying suspect in a chaotic moment.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, arguing that Castle was sacrificed to maintain the police force’s image.
Some believe this sends a dangerous message to both criminals and police officers—that doing your job under pressure could cost you your career.
A Shocking Twist: No Complaint from the Teen’s Family
One of the most surprising aspects? The boy and his family never complained.
The entire disciplinary process stemmed from concerns raised within the force itself.
Supporters argue that the context—Castle’s fear, the knife, the teen’s aggression—should have mattered more.
Castle, meanwhile, was candid in acknowledging that his behaviour was out of character.
He explained he hadn’t meant to hurt the boy, but admitted he “lost control” in the heat of the moment.
He maintained that he didn’t choke or fully restrain the teen’s neck—he was just trying to keep him still and prevent injury.
Social Media Reacts With Outrage
Public response has been swift and emotional. Across social media, commenters have described Castle’s firing as “disgraceful,” “shameful,” and “a travesty.”
Some have questioned whether this will now embolden young people who carry weapons—knowing officers may hesitate to act for fear of losing their jobs.
One commenter posted: “Welcome to Dorset—carry a knife and you’re safe.
But if an officer yells while arresting you, they’re done. What’s the message here?”
Another wrote: “A thug with a knife is now the victim, and the officer who tried to protect the public is punished? Society’s lost the plot.”
Senior Officers Stand by the Decision
Despite the backlash, Dorset Police leadership has defended the outcome.
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell acknowledged that policing is difficult but insisted Castle’s behaviour crossed the line.
“His actions were excessive and undermined trust in the police,” she said.
“We want to reassure the public that this is not how most of our officers behave.”
She also praised the officers who reported Castle, calling them courageous for putting integrity first.
A Career Cut Short
Castle joined Dorset Police in 2016 and served in community patrol roles across Bournemouth.
He once earned the title of “Community Officer of the Year.”
Outside work, he runs a local boxing academy with his wife, Denise, who has stood by him throughout the ordeal.
Reacting to the panel’s decision, Castle said he was still trying to come to terms with everything.
“It’s been incredibly tough on me and my family,” he shared.
“But the support from the public has been overwhelming—I’m so grateful.”
A Divided Public and a Lingering Question
Was PC Castle’s dismissal a necessary measure to uphold standards—or an overzealous reaction that could scare good officers away from policing altogether? That debate continues to rage on.
One thing is clear: this case has touched a nerve and sparked deeper questions about the future of frontline policing in the UK.