PC Steven Mullaney cleared of drink-driver assault

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-21505645

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A police officer has been cleared of assaulting a drink-driver by knocking him down with his patrol car.

West Yorkshire PC Steven Mullaney, 41, had denied causing actual bodily harm after using his car to nudge Anthony Shaw as he ran from police in Bradford.

A jury at Sheffield Crown Court found him not guilty of dangerous driving, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and perverting the course of justice.

However, the police watchdog said he could still face a misconduct hearing.

An Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) spokesman said: "A jury has concluded he is not guilty of the criminal charges brought against him.

"The IPCC will now consider with West Yorkshire Police whether the officer has a case to answer in relation to misconduct."

Escape attempt

Speaking after his acquittal on Monday, the officer, who is based at Lawcroft House Police Station, in Bradford, said he wanted to put the case behind him and get on with his job.

PC Mullaney's patrol car bumped into Mr Shaw three times as he tried to run away from the officer and his colleague after they stopped his vehicle in Bradford in the early hours of 18 March last year.

PC Mullaney, who has been an officer for 18 years, said he had done "no more than was necessary" to help arrest Mr Shaw and prevent him committing further offences.

After his arrest, Mr Shaw, 37, was found to be a disqualified driver who was more than twice the legal drink-drive limit and had no insurance.

He was taken to hospital with a number of abrasions and injuries, including a sprained ankle.

Speaking after the verdict, Ned Liddemore, of West Yorkshire Police Federation, said: "We are delighted at the result. PC Mullaney's life has been on hold for the past 12 months while this matter has been ongoing.

"Once again, we've seen a frontline officer taken off our streets and placed on restricted duties for almost a year while this matter went through the judicial process."