A former Dorset Police officer has been sentenced after he admitted an offence of intentional strangulation in relation to an incident in Weymouth.
Tyler McWalter, aged 30, was sentenced at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Friday 23 May 2025 in relation to the incident that occurred during the early hours of Saturday 14 September 2024 in the area of The Esplanade in Weymouth.
McWalter was a serving police constable at the time but was not on duty when the incident occurred.
After entering a guilty plea to the offence, he was subsequently the subject of misconduct proceedings. At an accelerated misconduct hearing on Tuesday 20 May 2025, it was ruled that his behaviour amounted to gross misconduct and he was dismissed without notice.
At the sentencing hearing at court, McWalter received a sentence of eight months in prison.
The charge related to an incident outside Kika Beach on Saturday 14 September 2024, during which McWalter attacked a member of the public by putting his arm around his neck and pulling him down to the ground.
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said: “We will continue to take robust action against officers whose behaviour falls below the high standards we expect of them, whether that is on or off duty.
“We will ensure they are held accountable for their actions through misconduct proceedings led by our Professional Standards Department, as well as conducting a thorough criminal investigation where appropriate.”
Anyone can make a report to Dorset Police by calling 101, emailing complaints-misconduct@dorset.pnn.police.uk or visiting the Force website. Alternatively, members of the public can contact the IOPC – details of which can be found via their website www.policeconduct.gov.uk.
Information can also be submitted to the Police Anti-Corruption and Abuse Reporting Service, which is run by the independent charity Crimestoppers. You can contact the service by calling 0800 085 0000 or via Crimestoppers’ website to provide information you have about a serving police officer, staff member or volunteer.
