A former Derbyshire Police constable has been acquitted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm after striking an autistic man on the head with a baton.

Shaun Elliott, 56, was on trial at Derby Crown Court for an incident that occurred on December 30, 2022, at Buxton police station. The case involved Kian Green, who has been diagnosed with autism, cerebral palsy, and asthma. Mr. Green had voluntarily presented himself at the station and was subsequently arrested.

During the trial, Mr. Elliott told the jury he believed he acted with a lawful purpose when he used the baton. He said he struck Mr. Green because he thought Mr. Green was about to bite a fellow officer.

Mr. Elliott denied any wrongdoing throughout the proceedings. After the incident, he continued serving with Derbyshire Police for an additional three and a half years before retiring.

The court ultimately cleared Mr. Elliott of the assault charge.