Police officer hit vulnerable man over the head with baton after he went into a police station for help, court told
A former Derbyshire Police officer struck a vulnerable man who has cerebral palsy on the head with an extendable baton during an arrest, causing him to bleed, a court has heard. Shaun Elliott, 56, is on trial accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against Kian Green, who reportedly went to police for help before the incident. Prosecutors say the officer went too far while dealing with a man in his care, leaving him visibly terrified.
The alleged assault took place on 30 December 2022, with prosecutor Philip Cowburn telling jurors the central events lasted only around four seconds. Elliott is said to have told Mr Green to "stop being silly" and warned him he would be "dragged backwards" if he did not comply, before striking him with his baton. The trial continues.
In short
- Ex-officer Shaun Elliott, 56, accused of hitting disabled man with baton
- Alleged assault on Kian Green happened during arrest, December 2022
- Prosecutor says officer "went too far" in a four-second incident
Explained simply
Police officers can use force when making an arrest, but the law limits how much force they may use and the circumstances in which they may use it. Assault occasioning actual bodily harm is an offence involving an assault that causes an injury more than minor or fleeting.
The case concerns Shaun Elliott, a former Derbyshire Police officer, and Kian Green, a man with cerebral palsy. A jury is hearing evidence about their encounter at a police station in December 2022 and will decide whether the charge is proved.