A former West Midlands Police officer has resigned after being found guilty of assaulting a mother from Halesowen who had called for assistance. Calum Brand, aged 27, would have faced dismissal for gross misconduct had he remained with the force.
During a disciplinary hearing, it was revealed that the woman sustained facial injuries after Brand grabbed her hair, pinned her down by the neck, and struck her head with his elbow. The incident occurred after the woman had reportedly contacted the police for help prior to the arrest of her boyfriend.
Panel chair Debra Tedds condemned Brand’s actions, stating, “It is unacceptable for police officers, who are responsible for enforcing the law, to break the law themselves.”
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The court heard that the woman had struck Brand on the head before the assault, a fact not contested by any party involved. In interview, Brand denied assaulting the woman or using excessive force.
Brand, from Kidderminster, was convicted at Nottingham Magistrates' Court in July of assault by beating. He received a 12-month community order which includes 150 hours of unpaid work, £650 in costs, and a £114 victim surcharge.
Following an accelerated misconduct hearing in September, he was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour particularly regarding discreditable conduct. Brand chose not to attend the hearing, informing his police federation representative of his decision.
The disciplinary report highlighted the physical injury and trauma suffered by the victim, noting the presence of a bystander whose trust in the police would have been undermined had they been aware of the incident. This, the report stated, would adversely affect the reputation of West Midlands Police and the wider police service.
Additionally, the former officer was accompanied by a student officer at the time, who should have been receiving appropriate guidance and mentorship.
Evidence presented during the trial explained that Brand had concluded a series of extended shifts before attending a call regarding a domestic disturbance at a block of flats in Halesowen on 16 June 2025. A man, described as largely incoherent, was identified as wanted on a court warrant and was being escorted from the property when the victim attempted to intervene.
Brand’s response involved seizing the woman from behind, leading to the injuries sustained. The mother was initially arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer but was subsequently released without charge.
In a statement read to the court, the victim described her trauma: “I could not sleep in the cells because of the sound of my son’s screams in my head, which no mother should have to hear. Brand made me feel like a dog; I felt embarrassed, shocked and humiliated. I now have no faith in the police who are meant to protect people but now make me feel scared. Brand made me feel worthless. I was defenceless without any shoes on. I did nothing to deserve being made to feel like that.”
District Judge Katy Rafter, during sentencing, remarked that Brand had “let himself down and the force he represented.”
Derrick Campbell, Director of Engagement at the Independent Office for Police Conduct, acknowledged the difficulties of the situation faced by Brand but emphasised that “there was no justification for the level of force” used. He described Brand’s response as “disproportionate and unnecessary.”