Officer 'assault' caught on film

The CCTV footage was shown in court

A police officer has been "removed" from front line duties after he was allegedly caught by CCTV cameras assaulting a man in Manchester.

The footage, shown in court on Thursday, appears to show an officer repeatedly kicking Delbo King while he was held down on the pavement.

The 33-year-old says he wants the officer brought to justice.

Greater Manchester Police said: "An officer has been removed from front line duties pending an investigation."

I am sickened about the whole affair and I intend to seek justice Delbo King

The footage was shown to Manchester magistrates at a hearing where King admitted criminal damage, disorderly behaviour and resisting a police officer in the execution of his duty.

King, who lives in Gorton, was given one day's detention and ordered to pay £100 compensation for damaging a bus shelter.

Picture gallery: The arrest of Delbo King

The incident, which took place in June 2003, is likely to put further pressure on GMP, criticised last year after a BBC documentary revealed recruits at a police training centre in Cheshire were making racist remarks.

King's solicitor had told the court he admitted his behaviour was wrong but felt what followed was gratuitous violence on the part of the officer.

Greater Manchester Police said a file was being prepared to send to the Crown Prosecution Service.

King said he was kicked several times in the head and face and twice in his testicles.

King admitted criminal damage and disorderly behaviour

The video also appears to show him being sprayed with gas and bumping his head on the police van's rear door as he is taken into custody.

The former paratrooper told the Manchester Evening News: "I am sickened about the whole affair and I intend to seek justice.

"I am not some scumbag drug dealer - I have served Queen and country.

"I admit I was drunk but I wasn't violent towards the police and after they cuffed me that should have been the end of the matter."

King's solicitor, Angela Taylor, said: "Because there are potential civil proceedings pending, it would be inappropriate to comment at this stage.

"People are going to see the video and make their own conclusions from it"