The identities of the two West Mercia police officers charged in relation to the death of ex-Town striker Dalian Atkinson have been made public following the lifting of a court order.

Atkinson died, aged 48, after being Tasered outside his father’s house in Telford in August 2016.

Police constable Benjamin Monk, 41, has been charged with murder, while PC Mary Ellen Bettley-Smith, 29, is charged with assault causing actual bodily harm.

The CPS has put forward an alternative charge of unlawful act manslaughter for PC Monk, while PC Bettley-Smith has indicated that she plans to plead not guilty.

Judge Simon Drew QC overturned a Contempt of Court Act order at Birmingham Crown Court after submissions by six media organisations.

The two police officers, who were granted the interim order banning publication of their names last week, were at the hearing where their lawyers conceded that their anonymity could not be justified.

Both defendants, who are from Shropshire but whose addresses cannot be reported, are next due to appear in court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 9th December.

Photo: ITFC

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