Jurors were removed from their posts after failing to deliver a verdict on the policewoman who allegedly assaulted Dalian Atkinson.
PC Mary Ellen Bettley-Smith, 31, has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm at Birmingham Crown Court.
But the jury couldn’t agree on a verdict.
Former Premier League footballer Dalian Atkinson
Bettley-Smith has denied assaulting the former Premier League star.
West Mercia Police colleague Pc Benjamin Monk was found guilty on Wednesday of the manslaughter of Mr Atkinson, 48, a former Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich Town attacker after a trial six weeks.
He was told he would face an “inevitable” prison sentence.
Jurors explained to the trial judge today that even if they had more time, they would not be able to reach a verdict on a charge alleging that Bettley-Smith used illegal force, after deliberating for more than 21 hours.
She allegedly attacked Mr. Atkinson with a baton after he was knocked to the ground by Taser.
Dalian Atkinson celebrates his goal against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. Aston Villa won the game 4-3.
The officer said she used the force necessary to defend herself – but prosecutors claimed she exaggerated the threat posed by Mr Atkinson in an effort to “aid” Monk’s attempts to justify force excessive.
Monk, 43, is said to be the first police station in 35 years to be convicted of unlawful homicide following a death in custody or following contact with police in England and Wales.
The court heard he fired a Taser three times – including a 33-second discharge – and also left two lace prints on Mr Atkinson’s forehead near his father’s home in Meadow Close, Telford, Shropshire , in August 2016.
Jurors took 18 hours and 48 minutes to unanimously convict him of manslaughter.
He was cleared of Mr. Atkinson’s murder.
Judge Melbourne Inman QC gave prosecutors seven days …
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Source: news.sky.com
This notice was published: 2021-06-24 13:32:00