Police officer could stand trial in September over murder of ex-Sheffield Wednesday player

admin — Wed, 06 May 2020 12:08:35 +0000

PC Benjamin Monk, aged 41, has been told his scheduled trial could still go ahead as planned despite the current uncertainty surrounding court timetables due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He was charged last year with murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter in connection with an incident in 2016 in which Mr Atkinson was Tasered.

PC Benjamin Monk has been charged with the murder of former Sheffield Wednesday player Dalian Atkinson, who was tasered in 2016 Copyright: PA (Press Association)

Monk was given permission not to attend a pre-trial hearing, where his case was discussed at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday, because of the lockdown.

The West Mercia Police constable’s colleague, PC Mary Ellen Bettley-Smith, 29, was also excused from attending.

She has entered a not guilty plea to a charge alleging she assaulted Mr Atkinson prior to his death on August 15, 2016.

Both officers were charged following a three-year inquiry into the death of Mr Atkinson, who went into cardiac arrest in an ambulance on his way to hospital after a Taser was fired.

Mr Atkinson, 48, who also played for Ipswich and Aston Villa, was Tasered during an incident near his father’s house in the Trench area of Telford, Shropshire.

Judge Melbourne Inman QC had already set a date for an eight-week trial starting on September 14.

But he addressed the prospect of the case starting on time, given no new jury trials in England and Wales have begun since coronavirus lockdown measures were introduced.

Judge Inman said he had no idea when jury trials would resume but that trials were being listed ‘realistically’ at his court in order of priority.

He said: “At present, trials are not taking place and I have no indication as to when we’ll be in a position to resume.

“That being said, we are listing at this court in logical fashion so we can provide dates we consider are realistic.

“There will be a backlog of trials that have to be listed as a matter of urgency but we are a large court centre and I am confident at present we can accommodate trials of this nature.

“This case will be heard on September 14 subject to unforeseen circumstances – that is the fixed date.”

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2 former Nebraska players appear before judge for first time Wednesday

admin — Sat, 11 Jan 2020 14:40:15 +0000

Two former Nebraska football players arrested in connection with a sexual assault allegation faced a judge via video arraignment for the first time Wednesday. According to the Lincoln Police Department, Katerian Legrone was arrested on suspicion of first-degree sexual assault. Lincoln police said Andre Hunt was arrested for aiding and abetting first-degree sexual assault. Police tell KETV they are looking into if Legrone and Hunt are involved in other sex assault cases and if there are other victims. When the two former players appeared in court on Wednesday, the Lancaster County Attorney did not press charges, but wanted more time to work on the case. Legrone’s arraignment will continue Thursday at 2 p.m. He is being held on a $50,000 percentage bond.”We look forward to fighting this case because we maintain his innocence right now,” said Mallory Hughes, Legrone’s attorney.Hunt’s arraignment will continue on Dec. 20 and he is being held on a $100,000 personal recognizance bond.”The Lincoln Police Department has conducted this investigation as we would any other, that is, we conduct objective, meticulous investigations, independent of outside influence or pressure,” said Officer Luke Bonkiewicz when asked about the handling of the case.Hunt’s attorney had harsh words for investigators who made the arrest of his client during finals week.”They wait until after 5 o’clock after our office is closed to go and arrest Mr. Hunt,” Carlos Monzon said. “I find it highly suspicious, their timing.”Monzon would go on to question the victim’s motives.”The intention of that young woman when she went to Mr. Hunt’s apartment was to have sex with him,” he said. “And now after she had sex with him, now she’s screaming rape. So buyer’s remorse.”Both Legrone and Hunt were redshirt freshmen.The two former players were suspended prior to the beginning of the season, but coaches did not provide any reason for the suspension.Both Legrone and Hunt entered the NCAA Transfer Portal on Friday and have been removed from Nebraska’s roster. Stay with KETV NewsWatch 7 for updates on this developing story.

LINCOLN, Neb. —

Two former Nebraska football players arrested in connection with a sexual assault allegation faced a judge via video arraignment for the first time Wednesday.

According to the Lincoln Police Department, Katerian Legrone was arrested on suspicion of first-degree sexual assault. Lincoln police said Andre Hunt was arrested for aiding and abetting first-degree sexual assault.

Police tell KETV they are looking into if Legrone and Hunt are involved in other sex assault cases and if there are other victims.

When the two former players appeared in court on Wednesday, the Lancaster County Attorney did not press charges, but wanted more time to work on the case.

Legrone’s arraignment will continue Thursday at 2 p.m. He is being held on a $50,000 percentage bond.

“We look forward to fighting this case because we maintain his innocence right now,” said Mallory Hughes, Legrone’s attorney.

Hunt’s arraignment will continue on Dec. 20 and he is being held on a $100,000 personal recognizance bond.

“The Lincoln Police Department has conducted this investigation as we would any other, that is, we conduct objective, meticulous investigations, independent of outside influence or pressure,” said Officer Luke Bonkiewicz when asked about the handling of the case.

Hunt’s attorney had harsh words for investigators who made the arrest of his client during finals week.

“They wait until after 5 o’clock after our office is closed to go and arrest Mr. Hunt,” Carlos Monzon said. “I find it highly suspicious, their timing.”

Monzon would go on to question the victim’s motives.

“The intention of that young woman when she went to Mr. Hunt’s apartment was to have sex with him,” he said. “And now after she had sex with him, now she’s screaming rape. So buyer’s remorse.”

Both Legrone and Hunt were redshirt freshmen.

The two former players were suspended prior to the beginning of the season, but coaches did not provide any reason for the suspension.

Both Legrone and Hunt entered the NCAA Transfer Portal on Friday and have been removed from Nebraska’s roster.

Stay with KETV NewsWatch 7 for updates on this developing story.

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Police officer could stand trial in September over murder of ex-Sheffield Wednesday player

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2 former Nebraska players appear before judge for first time Wednesday