No charges over police kick claim

The CCTV footage was shown in court

A police officer allegedly captured on CCTV cameras kicking a handcuffed black man in Greater Manchester will not face criminal charges.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said it was informed of the decision by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on Monday.

An inquiry said there was insufficient evidence to charge anyone over the alleged assault on Delbo King, 33.

An officer had been taken off frontline duties and an investigation launched.

There has never been any suggestion that the alleged assault was racially motivated Alan Green, Greater Manchester Police

King complained after he was arrested for smashing a bus shelter in Manchester city centre in June 2003.

The former paratrooper had claimed CCTV footage showed he was repeatedly kicked.

The footage was shown during a court hearing at which King, of Gorton, Manchester, admitted criminal damage to the bus shelter and resisting arrest.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) referred the matter to the IPCC.

After an inquiry by West Yorkshire Police, the matter was investigated by the IPCC who sent a file to the CPS.

King admitted criminal damage and disorderly behaviour

The CPS ruled on Monday there was "insufficient evidence" to bring the matter to court against the officer seen kicking King and two others who assisted the arrest.

King, a former Army boxing champion, suffered bruising to his genitals and a broken tooth.

The officer involved is understood to have claimed the kick was in "reasonable self-defence" as the suspect struggled to resist arrest.

Naseem Malik, IPCC commissioner for the North West, will now discuss with GMP what, if any, disciplinary action the officers should face.

'Restricted duties'

Ms Malik is keeping King informed of the progress of the investigation and these developments, the IPCC said.

Alan Green, deputy Chief Constable of GMP, said: "Throughout the investigation there has never been any suggestion that the alleged assault was racially motivated.

"Following the CPS decision, the IPCC now has responsibility for bringing this investigation to a conclusion.

"We will be sending them our recommendations regarding disciplinary action the officers should face and we will await their agreement.

"When the investigation began one officer was placed on restricted duties. He will remain in this role until we receive a decision from the IPCC regarding disciplinary action."