Ex-football star died after being Tasered and kicked, jury hears

Ex-aston Villa star Dalian Atkinson died after being Tasered three times and kicked at least twice to the head by an “angry” police officer, a murder trial jury has heard.

The jury at Birmingham Crown Court was told West Mercia PC Benjamin Monk denies the murder and manslaughter of the 48-year-old.

Opening the Crown’s case against the 42-yearold officer, who was charged after a three-year inquiry into Mr Atkinson’s death in 2016 in Telford, Shropshire, prosecution counsel Alexandra Healy alleged he was Tasered for 33 seconds, more than six times the standard fivesecond phase.

The QC told the court Mr Atkinson, who had serious health problems including end stage renal failure, moved towards the officers after they were called to a disturbance, at about 1.30am. Outlining the

Crown’s case, the prosecutor said the third deployment of a Taser by Monk was “completely effective” and caused Mr Atkinson neuro-muscular incapacitation before he fell on to the road.

The prosecution counsel added: “PC Monk also proceeded to kick Mr Atkinson.”

Monk’s colleague, PC Mary Ellen Bettley-smith, 31, is also facing trial charged with assault, which she denies.

Addressing Bettleysmith’s alleged role, Ms Healy claimed the officer had struck Mr Atkinson, while he was on the ground, a number of times with her baton.

The prosecutor added of Monk: “PC Monk was not, the prosecution say, acting in self-defence. He was no doubt angry he had been put in fear by this man.”

Describing Mr Atkinson’s behaviour as disturbed, Ms Healy said: “He was shouting in the street, demanding to be let into his father’s house.”

She added: “The two defendants claim they were entitled to use force on Dalian Atkinson because he was attempting to get up and they feared for their safety. As you listen to the evidence you will of course consider that with great care.”

The trial continues.

Dalian Atkinson.