Dalian Atkinson: Police officer denies murdering former footballer

Dalian Atkinson died in 2016 in Telford, Shropshire

A police officer has denied the murder and manslaughter of former Aston Villa star Dalian Atkinson.

The striker, 48, was restrained by police at his father's house in Telford, Shropshire, on 15 August 2016.

PC Benjamin Monk, 42, of West Mercia Police, pleaded not guilty at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday. His trial will begin next week.

Another officer, PC Mary Ellen Bettley-Smith, 31, is also due to stand trial after she denied assault.

The trial of police constables Benjamin Monk and Mary Ellen Bettley-Smith is due to begin next week

She has already entered a not guilty plea to a charge alleging she assaulted Mr Atkinson occasioning actual bodily harm

A jury has been sworn in and prosecutor Alexandra Healy QC told the court opening addresses are due to take place on 4 May.

A 12-strong panel and two alternative jurors were chosen at random from a pool of 20, with the eight men and six women selected after confirming they had no connections with various parties involved, including the West Mercia force and the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Atkinson played for several others clubs, including Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich Town.

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