Tayside policeman to stand trial accused of assault
A Tayside Police officer is to stand trial accused of assaulting a nightclub bouncer with his baton while on duty, a court has heard.
PC Douglas Fisher is alleged to have assaulted Nawras Alwan during an incident at Fat Sam's nightclub in Dundee's South Ward Road on 23 October last year.
At Dundee Sheriff Court the 39-year-old pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Sheriff Tom Hughes continued the case to a trial starting on 13 December.
It is alleged that the officer, who was on duty, attacked Mr Alwan, a security guard at the nightclub, by repeatedly striking him on the body with his police baton to his injury.
PC Fisher's solicitor, George Donnelly, told the court that he was pleading not guilty to the charge.
He said: "We have a report from an expert on the use of police batons. Senior counsel is instructed in this case and we require further consultation with them.
"This is anything but a simple charge of assault, just now there are 13 defence witnesses."
Fiscal depute Isma Mukhtar said: "The Crown are fully prepared. There are 18 Crown witnesses but it is hoped that some of the evidence can be agreed."
A spokeswoman for Tayside Police said: "An officer is the subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal following an allegation of assault.
"The officer has not been suspended from operational duty. It would be wrong to comment further whilst the legal process is ongoing."