Officer damages claim dismissed

A detective who said he was assaulted and wrongfully arrested by two police officers from his own force has had his claim for damages dismissed.

Det Con Neil Marsh, 45, was arrested for failing a breath test in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, in 2000. The case was dropped eight months later.

His claim was dismissed on Tuesday after a High Court jury rejected his version of events.

South Yorkshire Police may now pursue fresh misconduct or criminal charges.

Mr Marsh told the court the two officers - Pcs Christopher Isherwood and Martin Tate - had accepted he was over the limit because he had been sipping whisky while waiting for help at his stranded car.

We will now have to examine the evidence given in court and consider whether any further action, in relation to possible misconduct or criminal offences, should be taken Assistant Chief Constable Ian Daines

He said the officers were driving him to his house in Dalton Park when the mood suddenly changed and they decided to arrest him.

But the two arresting officers told the High Court they had arrested Mr Marsh as soon as he had tested positive at the spot where his car had broken down.

They decided to get him into handcuffs after he became violent and abusive in the police car, the pair told the court.

On Tuesday, the jury supported the account of Pcs Isherwood and Tate by deciding that Mr Marsh had been arrested immediately.

They also rejected Mr Marsh's claim that South Yorkshire Police officers had leaked the incident to newspapers.

Evidence examined

His claims of wrongful arrest, assault and breach of confidence against the Chief Constable of South Yorkshire were all dismissed.

Assistant chief constable Ian Daines described the action as a "sad case".

"All the allegations have been aired fully in court. The jury has reached a prompt decision and found against the officer bringing the claim.

"We will now have to examine the evidence given in court and consider whether any further action, in relation to possible misconduct or criminal offences, should be taken."