A MAN who was left battered, bloodied and bruised when he was arrested while naked in the shower has walked free from court after being cleared of assaulting a police officer.
When the verdict was announced Stephen Whenary was overcome with emotion.
The 36-year-old, of Greta Road, Norton, Stockton, originally faced three charges of assault on a police officer and two charges of resisting arrest. But four were dropped during the four-day trial at Teesside Magistrates Court.
Dismissing the charge, District Judge Roger Elsey, said the prosecution evidence was riddled with discrepancies and accepted the version of events Mr Whenary gave to the hearing.
He said: "He was visibly moved to tears by the recollection of the events of that day."
The injuries Mr Whenary received to his head, body and feet, during the arrest resulted in him being forced to take 13 weeks off work.
The incident happened at Pine Street, Norton, Stockton, at about 5.30pm on Sunday, August 21 last year when police were called by a neighbour after hearing the defendant and his partner, Lynne Stockton, arguing.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article