Former policeman who punched suspect during drug arrest acquitted of assault

A Tayside police officer who punched a suspect during a drugs arrest was acquitted of assault at Arbroath Sheriff Court.

Sheriff Gregor Murray judged that former cop Dean Miller acted in self-defence when he punched Anthony Davies inside a tent at Seaton Caravan Park in Arbroath in June 18 2010.

Giving evidence on Thursday, Mr Miller, 29, said he punched Davies because he was resisting arrest and lashing out with his arms and legs when he and two other officers went inside a small tent to arrest him.

He said that after the punch, Davies became compliant.

At a police briefing before the incident Miller was told that Davies was known to have a history of violence against police officers and could have access to weapons. An axe was later found underneath his sleeping bag.

See Friday’s Courier for the full story.