Cleared PC could still face misconduct probe

A YORKSHIRE policeman who was cleared by a jury of assaulting a drink-driver by knocking him down with his patrol car could still face misconduct proceedings, the police watchdog said yesterday.

Bradford PC Steven Mullaney, 41, was found not guilty of dangerous driving, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and perverting the course of justice after a trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

But the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said his conduct was still “of concern”, and its commissioner Nicholas Long added his actions still needed “independent investigation”.

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Ned Liddemore of the West Yorkshire Police Federation, said he was disappointed with the IPCC decision particularly as it took the Sheffield jury just 15 minutes to clear Pc Mullaney on Monday.

Mr Liddemore added: “When a jury has spent such a short amount of time deliberating that says a lot from our point of view.

“A lot of public money has been spent on this case already. We would be very disappointed if the IPCC were to proceed with any further action.”

PC Mullaney was first charged after an investigation by the IPCC found he used his patrol car to “nudge” drink-drive suspect Anthony Shaw as he tried to run from police.

After his arrest, Mr Shaw was found to be a disqualified driver who was more than twice the legal drink-drive limit and had no insurance.