Enlarge image
Dalian Atkinson
Photo: Anton Want / Allsport / Getty Images
Five years after the death of former professional soccer player Dalian Atkinson, a police officer has been sentenced to eight years in prison for manslaughter.
That was decided by a court in Birmingham.
It is the first case in the UK in more than 30 years of a police officer convicted of manslaughter on duty.
The court had acquitted the 43-year-old from the allegation of murder, but saw it as proven that he had stuned the former Aston Villa professional Atkinson with a stun gun for much longer than usual.
Subsequently, he is said to have kicked him in the head at least twice.
Atkinson, who had mental and physical problems such as heart and kidney problems, suffered a heart attack.
He died a short time later in the hospital.
He was 48 years old.
Atkinson's family had expressed relief at the policeman's conviction.
Relatives said it was "hard" to go through the trial and hear the officer "try to justify the violence he used".
Stun gun used too long
The fatal police operation occurred in August 2016.
Atkinson reportedly tried to forcefully break into his father's house in Telford, western England.
Neighbors called the police.
The officer reportedly electrocuted Atkinson upon arrival.
When that had no effect, according to the prosecution he used the weapon again - for a total of 33 seconds, six times longer than usual.
The officer denied wrongdoing in court, saying he feared for his life and that of his colleague.
The policewoman is also charged.
She is said to have beaten Dalian Atkinson with a baton.
A decision is still pending.
ptz / dpa / Reuters / AFP