A JURY has cleared a police officer of unlawful wounding after he was accused of repeatedly punching a suspect in the face during an arrest.

But it was revealed last night by police bosses that PC Simon Atkins could still face disciplinary measures as a result of the incident.

PC Atkins walked free from court after a five-day trial during which he was alleged to have “used violence for the sake of violence”.

The Cleveland Police officer was said to have struck Lee Scott in the face with his extendable baton after a chase in Middlesbrough.

Father-of-two Mr Scott, who lost five teeth and was left with gaping head wounds after the confrontation, claimed police brutality. He was covered in blood and said he was knocked unconscious after the second of numerous strikes from PC Atkins’ baton.

The 36-year-old officer told the jury at Teesside Crown Court that he used only necessary force to detain Mr Scott on September 30, 2007.

He said he was acting in self-defence after 33-year-old Mr Scott – who PC Atkins said was drunk and aggressive – tried to punch him.

It was alleged by the prosecution that Mr Scott tried to give himself up after being chased across a field by PC Atkins.

Tom Moran, prosecuting, told the jury of eight men and four women: “It was really violence for the sake of violence.”

But the jury found PC Atkins, a married father-ofone, not guilty of the charge after four-and-a-half hours of deliberations.

The court heard that police were called to the home of Mr Scott’s estranged wife, who was claiming he was threatening violence.

Before patrols got to the scene in the Coulby Newham area of town, the suspect – a banned driver – had fled in his van. He dumped the vehicle and was chased on foot through a housing estate.

The officer caught up with Mr Scott on a field in Hemlington, and struggled to arrest him as on-lookers gathered after seeing the drama unfold.

PC Atkins, of Middlesbrough, who was suspended from his job, denied the charge of unlawful wounding.

It is not known if the officer, who has six years’ service, will be able to return to his duties in central Middlesbrough.

He declined to comment as he left court yesterday.

Later, assistant Chief Constable Sean White said: “Obviously this incident has had a lasting impact on those involved and, now the criminal process has concluded, we will consider whether there is a requirement for any disciplinary proceedings against the officer concerned.”