A Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer has been found not guilty of two counts of assault after a trial but may face a misconduct hearing. 

PC Paul Cleasby had been charged with assault by beating but was found not guilty today, Friday, following a three-day trial at Liverpool Magistrates Court.

An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation, which finished in April, followed a complaint referral from the force.

The officer, who had been sent to a domestic incident on November 18, 2021, was accused of assaulting a man at the property and causing injury to a child.

During the course of the IOPC probe, thre watchdog examined body worn video footage and took statements from the complainants and police officers who were present.

The IOPC interviewed the officer under criminal caution and at the end of the investigation, a file was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service who authorised the charge.

IOPC director of major investigations, Steve Noonan, said: “It was important for the matters to be independently and thoroughly investigated and it was right it was heard in open court which provides the transparency that is vital for public confidence in policing and in the complaints system.

“Once our investigation has concluded, where necessary we present our findings to the Crown Prosecution Service who then decide whether to authorise a charge or not.”

The IOPC investigation also found that PC Cleasby has a case to answer for gross misconduct for breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour in respect of authority, respect and courtesy, orders and instructions, use of force, honestly and integrity and equality and diversity.

Now the trial is concluded, the regulator will be liaising with Greater Manchester Police about next steps regarding any potential disciplinary proceedings.