Ashington policeman on assault charge

Posted by The Journal on May 22, 09 11:40 AM in News

A serving police officer has appeared in court on an assault charge.

PC Nicholas Munnelly has been removed from operational duties until the case is resolved.

He is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court.

The alleged offence related to an arrest he was making in Newcastle on August 30 2008.

PC Munnelly, 30, lives in Ashington, Northumberland, but works as a shift officer in the city. He entered a not guilty plea to a single charge of section 47 assault.

The case has been sent to Newcastle Crown Court for trial. No details of the alleged offence were given in court.

PC Munnelly appeared before the court in a smart suit, with striped tie and spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

The hearing lasted just a few minutes before being adjourned and sent to crown court.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "We can confirm a Northumbria Police officer, based in the Newcastle area command, has appeared before Newcastle Magistrates' Court.

"The officer has been removed from operational duties, pending the outcome of the court action."

If convicted, PC Munnelly could face dismissal from the force but a decision will be reserved until the conclusion of his trial.

He entered his plea at an earlier hearing in April, when the case was adjourned for committal papers to be prepared.

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