Teenager Detained by Security Guards in Controversial Incident

In a court hearing today, dramatic footage was presented showing a 15-year-old boy being detained by two private security guards, Jake De-Geus, 30, and Edwin Hirst, 40, who are accused of using excessive force. The incident occurred in a Superdrug store in Chichester, West Sussex, last March, where the teenager was allegedly assaulted while the guards attempted to handcuff him. Jurors were informed that there was "no justification" for the level of force employed during the detention. The court viewed CCTV and body-worn camera footage, which depicted the teenager entering the store to purchase a bottle of Cantu shampoo. The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, recounted his experience, stating that he was merely joking with the guards and not attempting to steal. He described how he tried to provoke a reaction from the guards, asserting that his actions were clearly playful and not criminal. During the altercation, the teenager claimed he was forced onto the ground with both guards kneeling on his back, causing him pain. He described the physical struggle, stating that he was squirming as they attempted to secure him in handcuffs. The boy also expressed his frustration during the incident, reportedly telling the guards to "turn me around so I can spit in your face," highlighting the tension of the situation. The case raises significant questions about the appropriateness of security measures and the treatment of individuals in retail environments, as jurors continue to deliberate on the evidence presented.