Two PCs accused of using police dog 'as a weapon' cleared for second time - after six YEAR investigation
11.06.2022 - 10:25
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Two police officers cleared by a jury in 2019 of using a police dog as a weapon against criminals have been exonerated again after a disciplinary hearing cleared them of gross misconduct. The ruling brings to an end six years of failed criminal and disciplinary action against the PCs.
PC Paul Jackson, 39, of Greater Manchester Police, was said to have deployed German shepherd dog Jerry to seriously injure five men, all of whom abandoned cars that were being chased by officers. During a Preston Crown Court trial, it was alleged that PC Jackson went on the attack with Jerry in a series of incidents between August 2015 and September 2016.
The former lifeguard, from Radcliffe, said he acted lawfully at all times, insisting he carried out his duties in a reasonable and proportionate manner. The officer was cleared of five counts of wounding with intent and five alternative counts of causing grievous bodily harm in June 2019. Had he been convicted, he faced a lengthy jail sentence.
READ MORE: Boy killed 'trying to defend his mum' in horror double attack
His colleague PC Paul Lockett, 40, from Altrincham, was found not guilty of aiding and abetting one of PC Jackson's alleged assaults and one count of misconduct in a public office.
Both officers were subject to an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which resulted in the Crown Prosecution Service bringing the criminal charges of which the officers were found not guilty following the trial at Preston Crown Court.
Following the trial, senior officers at Greater Manchester Police had a change of heart, and informed the IOPC in April 2020 the two officers, and two others, should not face gross misconduct charges.
But the police watchdog directed the