AN RUC constable accused of assaulting an arrested man nearly three years ago was freed on bail in the High Court in Belfast yesterday.
Mr Laurence Templeton (40), from Bangor, who has been suspended from duty, had been remanded in custody the previous day on a charge of causing grievous bodily harm.
A Crown lawyer told Mr Justice Shiel the alleged victim was arrested on September 20th, 1994 and brought to Newtownabbey police station. As the man was getting out of a police car he alleged he was punched on the head and kicked in the ribs, back and head.
"There is no record of him entering the police station that night," said the lawyer. "The man was cleaned up by police and told to go." The lawyer said the man received eight stitches to the wound in his head.
"He made a complaint but withdrew it, claiming he was threatened by paramilitaries. "There is forensic evidence to indicate that the man was in the station on the night of September 20th, 1994. The applicant denies the assault."
The Crown did not oppose bail, but the lawyer said there was concern about interference with the witness.
Defence lawyer, Mr Brian G. McCartney, said there were salient weaknesses in the prosecution case against a police officer of 17 years without a blemish.
Mr Templeton, whose address was given as c/o Newtownabbey RUC station, was released on his own bail of £250 with two sureties of £250.