A Kelowna RCMP officer who was charged with assaulting two people during two separate arrests is no longer being paid by the force.

Constable Geoff Mantler was caught on video tape in January allegedly kicking arrest suspect Buddy Tavares in the face. He was charged with assault in that case, and for a second incident several months earlier.

Mantler was originally suspended with pay, but that ended on Friday, according to Supt. Bill McKinnon of the Kelowna RCMP. 


RCMP Const. Geoff Mantler was suspended without pay on Friday. ((CBC))

"Stoppage of pay and allowances was approved for Constable Mantler, on the rationale that the allegations of misconduct against him are so serious that they require a greater response than suspension alone," said McKinnon.

Officers can only be suspended without pay by the RCMP's National Headquarters in Ottawa, but Mantler could appeal the decision, McKinnon said. 

His next court appearance is June 21.