A police sergeant accused of turning a blind eye a

A police sergeant accused of turning a blind eye as colleagues in riot gear kicked and clubbed an innocent black man was today (FRI) cleared of misconduct.

Michael Ide, 43, had allegedly stood and watched as officers under his charge attacked the victim as he lay helpless on the ground.

The man, who has never been identified, ran off but the violence was captured on CCTV.

But Ide, of Gravesend, Kent, claimed he did not see the attack and an Old Bailey jury cleared him of misconduct in a public office after just 15 minutes deliberation

Ide’s friends and relatives wept with relief as he walked free from court.

None of the police officers shown attacking the man in have been prosecuted because it has proved impossible to identify one from the other.

Ide was in charge of a squad of eight constables policing a demonstration over the controversial shooting of Derek Bennett in Brixton, south London.

Mr Bennett was shot dead by police after wielding a fake gun fashioned as a cigarette lighter in July, 2001.

The officer went on duty at around 10pm and donned full riot gear complete with batons after an incident at 11.

40pm.

The young black man had been standing with a group of men at the junction of Ferndale Road before he was allegedly pursued by the officers.

The victim is clearly seen on film being kicked and hit with a baton as he lies helpless on the ground.

He then cowers as another officer aims a baton blow at him at as he runs away.

Ide told the court the incident happened when his back was turned and he saw nothing.

‘Certainly from the violence shown it does not look like it was necessary,’ Sgt Ide said.

‘If I believed there was sufficient evidence I would have considered arresting the individual concerned,’ he told the jury.

Ide added said he had his visor half down and had difficulty looking to his left side where the incident was happening because of a shoulder injury.

Ide joined the police in 1980 aged 22 and was promoted to sergeant in 1989.

He has been closely involved in tackling youth crime and setting-up the pub watch scheme in Catford.

An Old Bailey jury failed to reach verdicts when he was first tried last November and Ide was cleared at the retrial.

Sgt Ide left court without comment.

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