GOFundMe Page Tops £114k in Support of Sacked Dorset Officer PC Lorne Castle

GOFundMe PageTops £89,000 in Support of Sacked Dorset Officer

A GOFundMe page set up to support former Dorset Police officer PC Lorne Castle has surged past , £114k following his controversial dismissal for gross misconduct during the arrest of a knife-carrying teenager.

Castle, a decorated officer with 10 years of service, was sacked after body-worn footage showed him using what a misconduct panel deemed unnecessary force and inappropriate language while detaining a 15-year-old boy in Bournemouth town centre in January 2024. A knife was later recovered from the youth.

The panel concluded Castle breached professional standards, including use of force and respect and courtesy. He was dismissed without notice and placed on the police barred list.

Castle has defended his actions, stating he felt threatened and was doing what was necessary to control a violent suspect. “People are now asking if I’m some sort of abuser,” he told The Times, adding that he plans to appeal the decision.

The viral fundraiser, launched by former Chief Inspector Chris Amey, aims to support Castle and his family as they navigate the fallout. Amey called the decision “a betrayal of frontline officers” and said Castle responded when others refused.

The case has divided public opinion. Dorset Police Federation criticised the release of bodycam footage “without wider context,” while Castle’s supporters have described his sacking as a “disgrace.”

The GOFundMe  page has become a rallying point for those who believe Castle was unfairly punished for doing his job.

He remains determined to clear his name.