Police officer denies assault of former Sheffield Wednesday striker Dalian Atkinson

A police officer has appeared in court and denied assaulting former Sheffield Wednesday striker Dalian Atkinson.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Police Constable Mary Ellen Bettley-Smith issued a not guilty plea to assault causing actual bodily harm during a hearing at Birmingham Crown Court relating to an incident in August 2016.

The West Mercia Police officer's colleague, 41-year-old PC Benjamin Monk, who is charged with murder relating to the same incident, was not required to enter a plea.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A trial date was set for September 14 next year and both officers were granted unconditional bail until a further hearing on May 5.

Dalian Atkinson played for Sheffield Wednesday between 1989 and 1990 (Pic: PA)Dalian Atkinson played for Sheffield Wednesday between 1989 and 1990 (Pic: PA)
Dalian Atkinson played for Sheffield Wednesday between 1989 and 1990 (Pic: PA)

Dalian Atkinson, 48, died after he was restrained by police and Tasered at his father's house in Telford, Shropshire.

He played for Wednesday between 1989 and 1990, scoring 10 goals in 38 appearances.

He also played for Ipswich, Real Sociedad and Aston Villa during his career.