A POLICE officer has been acquitted of assaulting a suspect and planting evidence during a drugs raid.

A six week trial at Preston Crown Court concluded this afternoon when a jury returned a verdict of not guilty in relation to PC Christopher Jude.

The 27-year-old had been accused of grievous bodily harm and perverting the course of justice.

Three of his fellow officers, PCs Steven McGhee, 29, Garry Doolan, 33, and Peter Gannon, 34, were also found not guilty of charges of misconduct in a public office and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

For the full story read tomorrow's Warrington Guardian.