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Officer faces G20 assault charge | Officer faces G20 assault charge |
(9 minutes later) | |
The Crown Prosecution Service says there is sufficient evidence to charge a police officer with the assault of a protester during London's G20 protests. | The Crown Prosecution Service says there is sufficient evidence to charge a police officer with the assault of a protester during London's G20 protests. |
Demonstrators posted Youtube footage of a police officer appearing to strike Brighton woman Nicola Fisher. | Demonstrators posted Youtube footage of a police officer appearing to strike Brighton woman Nicola Fisher. |
Ms Fisher, 35, was one of two women to complain about the conduct of the Sgt Delroy (Tony) Smellie. | Ms Fisher, 35, was one of two women to complain about the conduct of the Sgt Delroy (Tony) Smellie. |
Prosecutors say there is insufficient evidence to charge the officer in relation to the second allegation. | |
In a statement, a CPS spokesman said: "The Crown Prosecution Service has decided that there is sufficient evidence to charge Police Sergeant Delroy (Tony) Smellie with the offence of assault by beating of Nicola Fisher on 2 April 2009 at a demonstration in the City of London. | In a statement, a CPS spokesman said: "The Crown Prosecution Service has decided that there is sufficient evidence to charge Police Sergeant Delroy (Tony) Smellie with the offence of assault by beating of Nicola Fisher on 2 April 2009 at a demonstration in the City of London. |
"The CPS reviewed a file of evidence provided by the Independent Police Complaints Commission following their investigation into Ms Fisher's allegation. | "The CPS reviewed a file of evidence provided by the Independent Police Complaints Commission following their investigation into Ms Fisher's allegation. |
"A summons has been served on PS Smellie who will appear at City of Westminster Magistrates Court on 16 November 2009." | "A summons has been served on PS Smellie who will appear at City of Westminster Magistrates Court on 16 November 2009." |
The incident happened on the second day of the G20 protests. | The incident happened on the second day of the G20 protests. |
Newspaper seller Ian Tomlinson had died during the previous evening's demonstrations. | Newspaper seller Ian Tomlinson had died during the previous evening's demonstrations. |
Ms Fisher was among a large crowd who attended a vigil for Mr Tomlinson. | Ms Fisher was among a large crowd who attended a vigil for Mr Tomlinson. |
The mobile phone footage of the protest shows a number of demonstrators close to police officers. Ms Fisher seems to be struck by the back of a police officer's hand. | The mobile phone footage of the protest shows a number of demonstrators close to police officers. Ms Fisher seems to be struck by the back of a police officer's hand. |
When she approaches him a second time, he draws a a baton and appears to hit her legs with it. | |
Sgt Smellie was suspended following Ms Fisher's complaint to the police watchdog. He is the first officer to face a charge in relation to the G20 protests. | Sgt Smellie was suspended following Ms Fisher's complaint to the police watchdog. He is the first officer to face a charge in relation to the G20 protests. |
A separate investigation is continuing into Mr Tomlinson's death - but prosecutors are not expected to take any decision on the case for some time. | A separate investigation is continuing into Mr Tomlinson's death - but prosecutors are not expected to take any decision on the case for some time. |