A police dog handler who kicked a 15-year-old in the throat has avoided jail.

PC Kevin Peel, was pleaded guilty of assault at Westminster Magistrates Court on Friday.

The 44-year-old, a dog handler with the Met Police, was fined £500 and ordered to pay £500 costs and a £50 victim surcharge.

The police have placed him on restricted duties while they conduct a misconduct procedure.

The court heard the incident took place on July 17 last year on Wandsworth Road.

PC Peel on patrol with his dog, searching for a 15-year-old suspect, when he spotted him on a bicycle and gave chase.

The teenager fled into a car park where he dropped a bag he was carrying before being cornered by PC Peel.

The dog detained the suspect, but as the boy lay on the floor PC Peel kicked him in the throat, an action seen by fellow officers who had joined the pursuit.

He was reported by his colleagues and later charged.

Detective Chief Superintendant Alaric Bonthron, said: "It is sad that what was a good piece of police work, the detention of a suspect, has been tarnished by the officer's actions when the suspect had been detained.

"Officers are not above the law and will be held to account irrespective of the circumstances."