Bristol woman PC denies assaulting race relations adviser
A police officer has today denied assaulting her force's own race relations expert who was tasered in the face during an arrest.
Avon and Somerset PC Claire Boddie, 47, is accused of attacking Judah Adunbi in Easton, Bristol on January 14 this in an incident filmed by a witness.
During a short hearing at Taunton Magistrates' Court Boddie pleaded not guilty to the charge of assault by beating.
Avon and Somerset PC Claire Boddie, 47, (left today) is accused of attacking Judah Adunbi (right) in Easton, Bristol on January 14
This is the moment PC Claire Boddie arrested Avon & Somerset police race relations adviser Judah Adunbi - she was later arrested herself
Mr Adunbi, 64, who was also in court to watch today, co-founded the Independent Advisory Group in Bristol, set up with the help of police to improve the relationship with the Afro Caribbean Community.
He was allegedly assaulted by the police officer as he tried to enter his flat in Bristol after taking his dog for a walk.
Boddie, who wore a black suit and a white shirt, was granted unconditional bail and will next appear at Swindon Magistrates Court on September 12.
A video of the alleged assault was widely published at the time.
Following an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission, a file of evidence was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service, which decided to issue a summons.
Boddie, whose address in court papers was given as Avon and Somerset Police headquarters, spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth and enter her not guilty plea during the hearing.
District Judge David Taylor told the court that 'given the nature of the case, particularly the circumstances of the case' it should be heard outside the Avon and Somerset Police force area.
He said it would be listed for a case management hearing on September 12 at Swindon Magistrates' Court.
Judah Adunbi, 63, was accompanied at Taunton Magistrates' Court by a supporter wearing a 'Justice for Judah' T-shirt
Mr Adunbi was trying to get into his Bristol flat after taking his dog for a walk and was tasered in the face on this spot
The judge told Boddie: 'I am satisfied, given the nature of this case as a whole, that the interests of justice would be far better served outside the force area.
'I will adjourn the case until September 12 and give you unconditional bail. At this case management hearing a trial date will be fixed.'
Mr Adunbi, who attended the hearing with friends, said afterwards: 'We are pleased with the Independent Police Complaints Commission and the Crown Prosecution Service.
'We are hopeful that justice will seen to be done by the courts.'
Avon and Somerset Police voluntarily referred itself to the police watchdog following the incident.
Mr Adunbi is a former member of the Independent Advisory Group to Avon and Somerset Police.
The groups advise on policing issues that may cause concern to local people and communities. Members from various backgrounds volunteer with the purpose of building trust, confidence and better relationships with diverse communities.