Dissident cleared of PSNI assault

Gary Donnelly was cleared of assaulting three police officers

A leading dissident republican has been cleared of assaulting police officers at Londonderry Magistrates Court.

Gary Donnelly, of Kildrum Gardens in Creggan, was accused of attacking three officers who brought him to court over a protest at Raytheon in August 2006.

A defence barrister said there were between 16 and 17 inconsistencies in the police evidence.

Judge Mervyn Bates said he could not be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt and dismissed the case.

Mr Donnelly had been accused of shoulder-charging one officer against the railings and kicking two others while being led into court in handcuffs.

Irish News journalist Seamus McKinney gave evidence that Mr Donnelly had been bundled to the ground by police officers as he paused to acknowledge the crowd.

Judge Bates said he had been "impressed" by Mr McKinney's evidence.

Speaking outside the court, Mr Donnelly said it was now the fourth occasion he had been charged with assaulting police and the charges had been dismissed.