Essex Police Dog Handler found not guilty within 30 minutes at Crown Court Trial

A JURY took less than half an hour to find an Essex Police Dog Handler not guilty of “being dangerously out of control of his police dog” after a four-day Crown Court trial.

PC Paul Sheldrake was acquitted on Monday and now Essex Police Federation – which has been supporting the accused officer – has called on Essex Police to “speed up” the ensuing Misconduct Investigation “so that all involved can try to put this incident behind them and move on.”

PC Sheldrake had been carrying out obedience training – off duty – in Arun Park, Chelmsford, in February last year and rewarding PD Cain by allowing him to chase a ball. But the dog ran off into nearby woods after possibly scenting a squirrel or a rabbit and bit a lady Marianne McRae who was in the park walking her dog.

PC Sheldrake submitted an official dog bite report but a criminal investigation followed into his actions. PD Cain has been suspended from operational duty since the incident, while PC Sheldrake is no longer a dog handler, the court heard.

Laura Heggie, Chair of Essex Police Federation, has been supporting PC Sheldrake. She said: “It’s been nearly 18 months since this incident occurred and it has been a long and hard time for Paul who has been on a rollercoaster of emotions.

“From the start Paul has always been very apologetic about the incident was genuinely shocked that it happened. He could never have predicted it would and Paul has always felt a great deal of compassion for Ms McRae throughout.

“This criminal investigation has turned his life upside down and had effects not only on Paul but his family.

“Now that the criminal trial is over, internal Misconduct Procedures will start. I think it’s fair to say there were a number of key points that came out during the trial that Essex Police will need to review.

“I sincerely hope that Essex Police are able to consider all the evidence provided over the four day trial, as well as Judge Goodin’s legal directions which may help to speed up the Misconduct Investigation so that all involved can try to put this incident behind them and move on.”

The law around out-of-control dogs provides an exemption where the animals are used for a lawful purpose by a constable, such as a policing activity.

The court had heard that officers were required to conduct continued training of dogs outside formal sessions, including obedience exercises such as ‘long down stays’ off the lead.

The defence said PC Sheldrake had indeed been using PD Cain for a lawful purpose when the incident happened.

A jury of seven men and five women took less than half an hour to find him not guilty after a four day trial.

In a statement made after the case, Essex Police said: “Following a trial at Ipswich Crown Court, PC Paul Sheldrake was found not guilty today, Monday 27 July, of being in charge of a dog that was dangerously out control and caused injury.

“An internal investigation will now commence following the conclusion of the case and it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”