Pc sacked after sending mother's love rival 'flying' in Asda meat aisle

A police officer has been sacked following an attack on her mother's love rival in the meat aisle of a supermarket.

Off-duty police constable Beth Walker, serving with West Midlands Police, was caught on CCTV elbowing her victim with such force that she was "knocked flying".

Harry Ireland, professional misconduct panel chairman, said PC Walker had carried out a "gratuitous, violent act" on the woman.

After she was found guilty of gross misconduct on Thursday, the panel said her apology to the victim was "too little too late".

Pc Walker's mother was married to the man who had gone on to wed the victim, leaving bad blood between the two.

The victim and her husband were spotted by PC Walker in the aisles of the Asda store in Uttoxeter on the evening of June 24 2014.

Shocking footage shows Pc Walker approaching the couple swinging an empty shopping basket, before sticking her elbow out and stepping into the victim.

Her victim was sent flying and stumbling into a 180 degree spin, with her shoe flying off in one direction, and a pack of meat in the other.

The victim said that prior to the incident, she did not initially recognise PC Walker: "I was in Asda looking into the chiller for meat and Beth had just come up. I said 'oh sorry luv, do you want to have a look'?

"And she said 'don't luv me'. She barged me and then said 'that was a long time coming'. She said 'it's not over yet'."

The victim, who is in her 50s, spoke to a store manager following the incident, and an investigation was launched which resulted in the disciplinary action.

During the panel, Pc Walker claimed she only went to say hello, denying that she maliciously hit out at the victim and saying that she was merely "somewhat clumsy" in her approach to the victim.

Following the two-day hearing, the officer of 13 years was dismissed with immediate effect.