Bodyworn camera footage from a Gloucester police officer has shed light on a recent dramatic arrest, revealing a suspect biting the officer’s leg during the confrontation.
The incident took place last month and gained attention after a separate video, recorded by a bystander and shared on social media without sound, went viral. This clip showed the officer using force, but lacked context, leading to criticism of the officer’s actions.
Gloucestershire Police clarified that the public clip omitted key details, including the fact that 39-year-old Luke Goodhall was biting the officer’s leg during the arrest. The newly released bodycam video captures the officer shouting about the bite and asking Goodhall to stop, to which the suspect reportedly responds with a taunt.
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In the footage, the officer can be heard saying he is being bitten as Goodhall laughs and retorts, showing a clear pattern of assault against the officer.
The police force’s Professional Standards Department reviewed the footage and determined that the use of force — which included strikes to subdue Goodhall — was proportionate, necessary, and lawful given the circumstances.
Goodhall, from Cheltenham, had recently been released on licence when he was arrested on February 17 on Eastgate Street for an alleged assault on another individual. During his detention, he was additionally arrested for biting the officer and attempting to knee a second officer in the face during a search.
At Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court, Goodhall pleaded guilty to two offences: assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault of an emergency worker. He was sentenced to nine months and six months in prison respectively, with the sentences to run concurrently. Because the crimes were committed while he was on licence, Goodhall must serve the remainder of his prior sentence before starting the new terms.
The injured officer, who has served with Gloucestershire Police for 11 years and remains unnamed, expressed his commitment to transparency and community trust. He stated, “Being open, honest and acting with integrity is key to bridging the gap between police and the public. While it is unfortunate I was injured, I hope this transparency helps foster greater understanding of use-of-force decisions.”
Police emphasized that officers regularly respond to incidents countywide, most of which are resolved peacefully. However, they acknowledged that occasional use of force is necessary to protect officers and the public.
Temporary Inspector Adam Williams, Chair of the Gloucestershire Police Federation, condemned the rush to judgment on social media. He said, “It is deeply unfair for hardworking officers to be tried by individuals only seeing one side of the story. We support the clear and robust review of this incident and stand behind the officer involved.”
This release aims to clarify the full circumstances of the arrest and promote informed discussion around policing and public safety.