Toowoomba cop choked and dragged female prisoner

A TOOWOOMBA watchhouse officer demoted due to his use of excessive force against a female prisoner has had his sentenced overturned.

A TOOWOOMBA watchhouse officer demoted due to his use of excessive force against a female prisoner has had his sentenced overturned.

Senior Constable Michael Kuhn was demoted for 12 months after he choked and dragged a female prisoner on August 18, 2014.

Deputy Commissioner Brett Pointing had initially considered dismissing the 26-year veteran of the force whose actions were described as "a concerning over-reaction to the apparent insolent abuse from the prisoner".

The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal decision halving the imposed sentence said Snr Const. Kuhn, while on shift at the Toowoomba watchhouse, spoke with the woman through the meal gate of the cell door.

Captured on security cameras, the officer then opened the door and took hold the woman's jumper and dragged her from the cell when he took hold of her throat.

He then walked her down a hallway to a padded cell and used both hands to "forcefully push (the woman) backwards into the padded cell" where she fell down.

Snr Const. Kuhn admitted to the incident and accepted a 12-month demotion to constable with a pay cut of more than $18,000.

He also agreed to take long-service leave to complete a community service sentence and met with Human Resources once a week.

QCAT noted it was not the first disciplinary action filed against him.

Snr Const. Kuhn appealed the 12-month demotion which was upheld by QCAT, and was reinstated to the higher rank after six months.

The woman's name was not released in court documents.

Originally published as Toowoomba cop choked and dragged female prisoner