A Dutch police officer has been sentenced for the use of force during an arrest of a man in The Hague on July 20, 2013. The officer used pepper spray several times in an unacceptable way. He also punched the man in the face, using his handcuffs - which in principle is not allowed under police rules. According to the decision of the Court of The Hague, issued on January 20 of this year, this was illegitimate and the purpose - overpowering the suspect - didn't justify this type of force. In line with the Public Prosecutor's request, a fine of €400 was imposed on the police officer.