Police officer faces assault charges following New Year’s dispute in Vesterbro, Copenhagen

Just hours into the New Year, police officers were called to intervene between a sex worker and a man on Istedgade in Vesterbro, Copenhagen, due to a dispute over payment. The officers instructed both parties to leave in different directions. The woman complied, but the man struggled to understand the directive. He repeatedly stepped onto the road, prompting a 27-year-old officer to push him back onto the sidewalk.

The prosecution claims that this push was excessive, leading to the officer facing charges of assault. In court, the officer maintained his innocence, stating, “I gave him what I consider a light push to create distance.” He expressed concern for his safety, noting the man’s unpredictable behavior at the time. The officer had checked the man’s pockets but did not conduct a thorough search.

The incident was recorded on a mobile phone, and the Independent Police Complaints Authority was alerted that same day by a user who saw the video on TikTok. The officer was surprised the man fell as a result of the push, suggesting his stance may have contributed to his loss of balance.

The alleged victim explained he didn’t know why police had intervened, recounting that he was pushed and then his health insurance and student ID were taken by the officers. He mentioned having lost money during a dispute but didn’t understand police involvement.

The group leader of the officers testified that the man was “too intoxicated,” struggling to maintain his balance, and that they had tried to escort him away peacefully before the incident escalated. He remarked that it is uncommon for officers to face assault charges, generally occurring only once a year, and if the officer is convicted, it could end his career in the police force. A verdict is expected next week.