Merseyside Police inspector accused of perverting the course of justice

Andrew Minnery was charged following investigations by the police watchdog

A Merseyside Police inspector has appeared in court accused of perverting the course of justice.

Andrew Minnery, 46, is also charged with assaulting Paul Michael Stephens on 3 June 2020 in Tranmere, Birkenhead.

He allegedly "deliberately omitted" evidence in a statement "that he had administered three palm heel strikes to Mr Stephens' face/head/punched him as alleged", according to the charges.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday.

PC Kenny Gibson, 39, and PC Steve Cotton, 44, who are also serving Merseyside Police officers, also appeared at court.

All three officers face a single charge of perverting the course of justice, while Mr Minnery is also charged with assault.

Mr Cotton is accused of failing to take a witness statement from a woman who raised concerns over the use of force in Mr Stephens' detention.

Mr Gibson allegedly took a witness statement from another woman without her consent and failed to accurately record the information she gave him or allow her the opportunity to review the statement.

They were all charged by the Crown Prosecution Service following an investigation by police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The IOPC said it investigated the conduct of the three officers during and after the arrest of a man, who subsequently made a complaint about the incident.

All of the officers spoke only to confirm their names, dates of birth and addresses during a brief hearing and were not asked to indicate pleas.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring sent the case to Manchester Crown Court on 22 April, where the men, who are on unconditional bail, will appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing.