Sam Green KC secures acquittal for his client, PC Lockett

A police constable has been cleared of using his dog as a weapon to “vent his contempt” for criminals.

PC Paul Jackson, 36, was accused of deploying his dog to injure five men police were following.

A jury at Preston Crown Court cleared PC Jackson, from Radcliffe, of five counts of wounding with intent and five counts of causing grievous bodily harm.

His colleague, PC Paul Lockett, was also acquitted of aiding and abetting one of the alleged assaults.

Sam Green KC, instructed by Chris Fallows of Slater & Gordon Solicitors, represented PC Paul Lockett and secured his acquittal.

It was alleged PC Jackson used German shepherd dog Jerry in separate incidents between August 2015 and September 2016 while working for the tactical vehicle intercept unit of Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

The former lifeguard said he acted lawfully at all times in a reasonable and proportionate manner.

PC Lockett, 37, from Altrincham, was also cleared of misconduct in a public office.

PC Jackson was investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after allegations about his use of the dog and claims of excessive force.

The officer was accused of using German shepherd Jerry to injure five men

The five complainants who gave evidence at the trial all have previous convictions – ranging from cannabis possession and driving offences to burglary and murder.

Jurors heard PC Jackson had received three commendations – including two Chief Constable’s Awards – since he joined GMP in 2008.

In 2010 he rugby-tackled a man who doused himself in petrol and threatened to set himself alight with his family nearby.

Five years later, he helped detain a gang who raided a farmhouse in Hull and tortured a couple.

The decision to prosecute was criticised by the Police Federation GMP branch chairman Stu Berry, who called it a “farce from start to finish”.

He added: “We now face a situation where dog handlers are reluctant to do their job.”

If you would like to speak to one of the clerks about booking Sam Green KC, please call 0113 2455866.

Related people

Sam Green KC

Sam Green KC

Joint Head of Chambers

Call: 1998 Silk: 2015

Featured insights

What happens if you drive without a licence?
What are the penalties for Benefit Fraud?
What is King’s Counsel?

Contact Us

Chambers is centrally located within walking distance of the train station, secure car parks and the Courts.

Contact Us

St Pauls Chambers
Park Row House
19-20 Park Row
Leeds
LS1 5JF

For out of hours assistance please call the senior clerk on 07854170429.

The switchboard will open from 08:30 until 17:30

Phone: +44 (0)1132 455 866
Email: [email protected]
CJSM: [email protected]

Portfolio Builder

Select the expertise that you would like to download or add to the portfolio

Download    Add to portfolio   
Portfolio
Title Type CV Email

Remove All

Download


Click here to share this shortlist.
(It will expire after 30 days.)