A LONG-serving police officer who was sacked for using 'excessive force' against a prisoner has won a fight to get his job back.

Almost two years after being dismissed from Thames Valley Police, Sergeant Colin Travi has succeeded in appealing the decision. 

Today Sgt Travi was reinstated to the force with immediate effect, according to a statement released by TVP tonight, after he took his case to the independent Police Appeals Tribunal.

The custody sergeant was sacked without notice on September 13, 2017, for punching a prisoner multiple times while trying to restrain him at Abingdon Police Station.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

He had served as an officer since 1997 but a misconduct hearing concluded that his actions, on August 16, 2016, amounted to gross misconduct.

A statement released by TVP at the time said Sgt Travi had used 'excessive and unnecessary force' against prisoner Michael Hogan, but the tribunal today concluded the decision to dismiss him was 'unreasonable and unfair.'

ALSO READ - Our interview with Sgt Travi about gang culture 

Oxford Mail:

Defending himself at the time, Sgt Travi said his actions were ‘absolutely necessary’ as he feared the prisoner could have self-harmed or assaulted officers.

The misconduct hearing in 2017 heard Sgt Travi had 'punched Mr Hogan four times to the head and face,' although the officer said he could only recall hitting him twice.

ALSO READ: Abingdon police officer ditched night shifts to have sex

In 2015 the Oxford Mail reported on Sgt Travi, who was then head of Kidlington Neighbourhood Watch, running the Paris Marathon for the The Brain Tumour Charity to support a colleague.

According to the force's statement this evening, he has been granted two weeks' special leave in order for him to make arrangements for his return to work.

Sgt Travi moved to Abingdon police station to become a custody sergeant in 2015, having already worked in different roles at Bicester and Kidlington police stations.

One Oxford Mail reader described him as an ‘excellent neighbourhood officer for Kidlington who was tireless in addressing crime,’ adding: “I for one welcome him back.”