Dalian Atkinson: Police officer denies assault on former footballer
- Published
A police officer has denied assaulting former Premier League footballer Dalian Atkinson who died after being Tasered.
The ex-Aston Villa striker, 48, was restrained by police officers at his father's house in Telford, Shropshire, on 15 August 2016.
PC Mary Ellen Bettley-Smith, 29, denied assault causing actual bodily harm when she appeared at Birmingham Crown Court.
PC Benjamin Monk, 41, is charged with murder. He was not required to enter a plea at the pre-trial hearing.
The West Mercia Police officers were remanded on unconditional bail and a provisional trial date was set for 14 September next year.
An alternative charge of an unlawful act manslaughter has been put forward by the CPS for PC Monk.
Both officers are from Shropshire, but a court order prevents the media from reporting their home addresses.
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- Published7 November 2019
- Published23 June 2021