A POLICE sergeant was cleared today of assaulting a constable while on duty.

Malcolm Gerrard, 38, was accused of assaulting PC Natalie George, 31, in the city's Anniesland on October 25, 2020.

The pair were involved in the arrest of a suspected housebreaker in the early hours of the morning.

PC George told Glasgow Sheriff Court that the suspect was lashing out on the ground when she was trying to restrain him.

The witness stated that she felt "very quick" blows to her ankle by Gerrard.

She added that she screamed: "For f*** sake Malky, that's my ankle."

Other colleagues giving evidence spoke to PC George shouting at Gerrard and her hobbling away from the scene.

The court was told Gerrard later apologised to PC George.

She stated in her evidence: "I accept his apology and that he didn't mean to hurt me."

The witness did not submit a complaint but the matter was reported and Gerrard stood trial for three days.

He denied the single charge of assault to PC George's injury.

Iain Cahill, defending, told the court in his no case to answer submission that the Crown had not corroborated or had any direct source of the mechanism of the assault.

Sheriff Allan Findlay asked prosecutor Jenny Reid: "Are the Crown saying sergeant Gerrard was trying to stamp on the suspect lying on the ground and per chance managed to stamp on PC George?"

Miss Reid replied: "Basically, I would say that is the Crown's position, it is in your lordship's hands if you think that is enough."

Sheriff Findlay replied: "It's not enough.

"Sergeant Gerrard you are not guilty and are free to go."

Gerrard replied: "Thank you" before leaving the dock.