Former Derbyshire PC found not guilty of assaulting autistic man

After the verdict, Judge Martin Hurst told Elliott: “You are acquitted, that is the end of the matter. It can’t come back in any circumstances, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your retirement.”

Footage released by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) during the trial showed the arrest in the back of the van, and Elliott striking Green with his baton.

Green, who jurors heard has autism, cerebral palsy and asthma, was apprehended after he went to the police station for help with a letter he had received.

He was arrested after officers carried out checks on their systems and he grew upset, requesting a phone call to his mother before officers attempted to handcuff him.

Elliott, of Ashbourne in Derbyshire, was not told why Green was being arrested, the court heard.

Asked by defence barrister Adam King whether he felt angry or annoyed by Green when he arrived at the police station, Elliott said: “Not in any way, shape or form.”

Asked what his priority was, Elliott said: “[The] safety of my colleagues, safety of myself and the safety of Kian.

“We have a duty of care to him and we don’t want him to hurt himself.”

He added: “My lawful purpose was to stop the attack that was ongoing by Green. Ultimately, I succeeded – I got control and [got] him to safety.”