Police officer faces re-trial over 'assault' of former Sheffield Wednesday striker

PC Mary Ellen Bettley-Smith, aged 31, who works for West Mercia Police in the Midlands, is charged with assaulting former Owl Dalian Atkinson in an incident in Telford in August 2016.

During a disturbance, Mr Atkinson, was tasered, kicked in his head and suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest.

PC Benjamin Monk, 43, was found guilty of manslaughter and jailed for eight years.

Jurors were unable to reach a verdict on PC Bettley-Smith, who stands accused of using unreasonable force during a baton strike.

The Crown Prosecution Service has announced that the police officer will face a re-trial.

The date has not yet been fixed.

Mr Atkinson, who played for the Owls in the 1989/90 season, left for Real Sociedad after Wednesday were relegated in his only season in blue and white.

He played for teams including Aston Villa and Manchester City.

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