Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Friday 14th March 2025, at 16:15hrs
A Gloucestershire police officer has been convicted and sentenced after an altercation during a Christmas night out in Cheltenham.
Mark Bale, 38, from Gloucester, was found guilty of two counts of common assault and one count of using threatening words or behaviour at Worcester Magistrates’ Court.
The incident occurred on December 15, 2023, when Bale, who was off-duty, was part of a group enjoying a night out at Revolutions on Clarence Street.
During the evening, his behaviour led a member of staff to remove him and another individual from the premises.
Upon being ejected, Bale became aggressive, assaulting two members of the door staff. The court heard evidence that he kicked one doorman and punched another.
He was acquitted of a third assault charge.
A second police officer, who was also charged with common assault in connection with the same incident, was found not guilty and has since resigned from Gloucestershire Constabulary.
Bale, who serves in the Reactive Investigations Team, appeared at Worcester Magistrates’ Court last Friday, March 7.
He was ordered to pay a total of £1,500, which included a £500 fine and £100 in compensation to each of the two victims.
Following the conviction, Bale has been suspended from duty, and a disciplinary process has commenced against him.
Deputy Chief Constable Katy Barrow-Grint expressed strong condemnation of Bale’s actions.
“I am appalled at the behaviour of this officer, which falls far short of the standards that both we and the public rightly expect from our officers,” she stated.
“We will not tolerate any officers who believe they can act in this manner, particularly against the very people they should be supporting in their role to keep the public safe from harm.”
The Gloucestershire Constabulary has reiterated its commitment to upholding the highest standards of conduct among its officers and ensuring accountability for any behaviour that undermines public trust.
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