Four police officers who were charged with affray following a fight in a Belfast kebab shop, have been found not guilty. Dean McCallum, Mark Fullam, Victoria Bell and Taylor Annett, all off duty at the time of the incident, stated that they had acted in self defence. These officers were acquitted at the Belfast Crown Court. The four had earlier argued that the force used at City Kitchen in High Street in January 2022 was necessary and appropriate.
The prosecution case was based on the allegation that the officers were in a “jovial” spirit after a night of drinking in the kebab shop. A customer, who was waiting for his food, saw an interaction between the defendants and a man wearing a red hat sitting alone at another table. Mr McCullough, concerned about the interaction, intervened which resulted in a fight breaking out. On-duty police were then called to the scene.
All four police officers denied the charge against them during the trial in which the jury was shown CCTV evidence of the incident. The accused officers said that they were acting in self-defence during the altercation. In light of the evidence, the court has declared the officers not guilty as the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the officers had committed the offence of affray.
This verdict has dominated the news headlines, raising new questions and reminding us of the need to ensure that the police conduct themselves appropriately during their off-duty time as well as on duty. The acquitted officers have been called back to duty with immediate effect. It is hoped that the police will uphold the rule of law and inspire public confidence in the discharge of their duties. The successful defence of the officers in this case can strengthen public faith in the justice system
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