Cleared Telford police officer still suspended

A Telford police officer cleared of attacking a sleeping man as he lay in bed with his baby is still suspended from duty, police chiefs said today.

Constable Jason Swinney, 34, was acquitted of assaulting Mark Vick, causing him actual bodily harm, by punching him repeatedly in the face on April 18, 2009. He had denied the charge.

But today police chiefs at West Mercia Police said internal disciplinary proceedings were still be considered resulting in Constable Swinney still being suspended.

A jury of seven men and five women sitting at Gloucester Crown Court found Constable Swinney not guilty on Tuesday after a six-day trial.

The court had heard police had been called to a domestic argument involving Mr Vick and his former partner Katie Leddington.

Mr Vick claimed he was repeatedly punched in the head while he lay sleeping with his nine-month-old baby in his arms and that the attacks continued after he released the child at the home in Woodrows, Woodside.

But Constable Swinney said he struck Mr Vick about six times but only after attempts to wake him failed and he did not continue with any violence after the baby was released.

He said he was convinced it was a "man killing a child".

Rachel Anstee, West Mercia Police spokeswoman said: "Internal disciplinary proceedings are still being considered in PC Swinney's case and he remains suspended from duty. Therefore, it would not be suitable at this time for the force to comment further on the outcome of this trial."