Officer who hit protester is cleared of assault

Metropolitan Police Sergeant Delroy Smellie, 47, clashed with animal rights activist Nicola Fisher outside the Bank of England last April.

The officer, a member of the controversial territorial support group, went on trial accused of assault by beating last week.

He was cleared yesterday at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court. But he could still face misconduct proceedings over the incident.

Smellie, who was standing in the dock for the verdict, smiled widely and gave two thumbs up to his supporters as he was cleared.

District Judge Daphne Wickham said there was no evidence that his use of the baton was not approved, correct or measured.

She said: "It was for the prosecution to prove this defendant was not acting in lawful self-defence.

"I have found the prosecution has failed in this respect and the defendant has raised the issue of lawful self-defence and as such is entitled to be acquitted."

Ms Fisher, 36, ran in front of Smellie hurling abuse during a vigil to mark the death of Ian Tomlinson the previous evening.

Smellie said he feared for his safety when he was left isolated behind a line of his colleagues who were facing the other way.