Two police officers cleared by a jury in 2019 of using a police dog as a weapon against criminals have been exonerated again after a disciplinary hearing cleared them of gross misconduct. The ruling brings to an end six years of failed criminal and disciplinary action against the PCs.
PC Paul Jackson, 39, of Greater Manchester Police, was said to have deployed German shepherd dog Jerry to seriously injure five men, all of whom abandoned cars that were being chased by officers. During a Preston Crown Court trial, it was alleged that PC Jackson went on the attack with Jerry in a series of incidents between August 2015 and September 2016.
The former lifeguard, from Radcliffe, said he acted lawfully at all times, insisting he carried out his duties in a reasonable and proportionate manner. The officer was cleared of five counts of wounding with intent and five alternative counts of causing grievous bodily harm in June 2019. Had he been convicted, he faced a lengthy jail sentence.
