Policemen 'assaulted man'

(First Edition)

TWO policemen travelling to collect a prisoner broke a man's arm during a brawl outside a public house, a court was told yesterday.

Strathclyde Police officers Thomas McGrath, 45, of Paisley, and John Milliken, 32, of Glasgow, deny assaulting Mr Kevin McAlyne, 29, of Wolverhampton.

Stafford Crown Court was told that the officers were travelling in plain clothes from Glasgow to collect a prisoner at Telford, Shropshire. Estelle Hindley, for the prosecution, said they drank half a bottle of whisky and some lager before reaching Wolverhampton, where they had to change trains.

She said that while waiting they went to a nearby pub. There the officers encountered Mr McAlyne, and after an altercation all three were ejected and started to fight.

The court was told that Mr McAlyne tried to get away but fell and the officers kicked him. He suffered a fractured arm, a dislocated elbow and bruising.

The case continues on Monday.