A Cambridgeshire police sergeant faces multiple charges, including assault and misconduct in public office, following allegations of bullying, assault, and inappropriate behavior that were described in court as fostering a “toxic” work environment. Paul Street, 41, is accused of assaulting a teenager with a baton, bullying a detainee, and requesting access to a sexual video found on a female suspect’s phone.

The alleged assault occurred in January 2020 when Street reportedly used his baton on Samuel Kayode, who was suspected of drug dealing. According to prosecution statements, Street chased Kayode into a car park, where Kayode was struck and knocked to the ground. Street then took and shared a photograph of Kayode lying on the ground in a WhatsApp group of 17 colleagues, alongside messages describing the incident with references to the baton and fist. A fellow officer reported the messages to senior command. Street later apologized and instructed the group to delete the chat. Kayode subsequently filed a formal complaint. He was later convicted of possession of drugs with intent to supply.

Street is also charged with bullying Robiul Islam, then 17 years old, during an arrest in April 2020 in Cambridge. Officers suspected Islam of attempting to sell drugs. Court heard that Street’s messages referred to Islam falsely claiming to be 18, with comments indicating a willingness to treat him as an adult rather than a minor entitled to certain protections. In the group chat, Street allegedly wrote, “Think we can bully this f***er.” He authorized a search of Islam’s home and recorded a video threatening to “rip it apart,” using profane language. Islam was restrained on CCTV during the arrest and later fined £300 for possession of Class A drugs and using insulting words or behavior.

In addition, Street requested a sexual video found on a female suspect’s phone. During a separate drug investigation in August 2020, the woman warned officers about personal and intimate content on her device. Street messaged PC Josh Williams, 39, asking, “Any nudes?” and upon learning there was a sexual video, replied, “This I have to see.” Street later admitted to wanting to view the video to confirm whether the woman had been involved in or was a victim of exploitative behavior. Williams has admitted to misconduct in public office, while Street denies all charges, which include two counts of misconduct, one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and one of perverting the course of justice.

Prosecutor Anne Whyte KC outlined Street’s leadership of a team at Cambourne police station targeting organized crime gangs, noting his “impressive” arrest record but emphasizing that his methods were unacceptable. Whyte characterized Street’s conduct as “out of control” and likened his behavior to that of the criminals he sought to apprehend. The trial remains ongoing.