BBC · Jun 8, 2021
Dalian Atkinson: PC defends using baton on ex-footballer after he had fallen
PA Mediaimage captionPC Mary Ellen Bettley-Smith Telling told the court she used a baton "to try to gain control of the situation"A police constable has said it was absolutely necessary to hit former footballer Dalian Atkinson with her baton after he had been tasered.
PC Mary Ellen Bettley-Smith, 31, told a jury she did it to protect herself and her colleague.
She denies a charge of assault and said she was terrified during the incident in Telford, Shropshire, in August 2016.
Her colleague, PC Benjamin Monk, denies murdering Mr Atkinson and also denies an alternative manslaughter charge.