Serving GMP special constable assaulted boy, 7, after being sprayed during a water fight

Andrew Parkinson, 55, picked the boy up by his neck and chest after he was 'accidentally' sprayed during a water fight.

A special constable serving Greater Manchester Police has been found guilty of assaulting a boy.

A serving special constable with Greater Manchester Police has been found guilty of assaulting a seven-year-old boy who 'accidentally' sprayed him during a water fight with other kids. Andrew Parkinson, 55, was charged with assault by beating after the incident on May 7th last year.

Parkinson picked the victim up around the neck and chest after the youngster sprayed water on him as he returned home. The child had been playing with other children in the street in Bolton, with the group throwing water at each other as they enjoyed the warm weather. As Parkinson returned to his home, a "small amount" of water landed on him.

The court heard that the boy in question described the incident as an 'accident'.

Parkinson, a special constable with 30 years of service, decided to confront the boy. The Crown Prosecution Service told the hearing at Liverpool Magistrates Court that the child stumbled over a rock as he was being told off by Parkinson and fell into the man - an event that Parkinson claims to have seen as a "deliberate headbutt".

The man grabbed the young boy, placing his arm around the child's neck and torso, lifting him off the ground and carrying him towards the child's house. Several of the kids who had been playing with the boy, and a neighbour in the street, saw the incident and reported it to the police.

Parkinson was later arrested and charged with assault by beating and has been suspended from his role with the force. The boy, a neighbour, and the child's father all gave evidence against Parkinson at a trial at Liverpool Magistrates Court on Wednesday, June 15th, where Parkinson claimed he had acted in lawful self-defence.

The court found Parkinson guilty of the offence, and he will be sentenced on August 1st. Speaking after the case, senior crown prosecutor Joshua Sanderson-Kirk said: "This was a sensitive case which could only proceed with the support of the concerned neighbour, the parents of the young complainant, and, of course, the complainant himself.

"Mr Parkinson took umbrage at young children playing innocently in the street and targeted a child. That child was supported by the police and the Crown Prosecution Service to come to court to tell his story and help bring Mr Parkinson to justice."