AN independent police watchdog has begun an investigation after an innocent man was seriously injured during a beating by police officers.

Cleveland's Chief Constable Sean Price called on the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) to investigate after a judge criticised the police's role - and subsequent evidence - in the case.

Stephen Whenary was left bloodied and battered after police burst into his bathroom and beat him with batons.

At one point, as many as 19 officers were in the house in Pine Street, Norton, near Stockton.

Mr Whenary, who lives with a police officer's former wife, was dragged naked from the house and charged with assault and resisting arrest.

When the case came to court earlier this month, he was cleared by a judge who said the police evidence was riddled with discrepancies.

Mr Price promised an immediate investigation after saying the case raised very serious issues.

Last night, it was confirmed that the IPCC had been called in to lead a full inquiry.

The decision was welcomed by the chairman of Cleveland Police Authority, Councillor Dave McLuckie, who was briefed by Mr Price on the situation last night.

Afterwards Coun McLuckie said: "I welcome the Chief Constable's approach to this particular case, especially the fact that he himself has seen items within that case that have brought grave concerns.

"I am delighted we have a forward-thinking Chief Constable who hides away from nothing."

The move was also welcomed by Mr Whenary's solicitors, Taylor Goodchild.

Scott Taylor, who represents Mr Whenary, said: "We will wait and see with interest what findings the IPCC return following their investigation."

During the trial the court heard conflicting evidence from several officers that resulted in four of the charges being thrown out by District Judge Roger Elsey.

The prosecution case began to unravel almost from the moment the case began.

Under cross-examination, officers gave different accounts of what happened after a call for assistance was put out within minutes of an officer arriving after reports of a domestic disturbance.

One officer could not give evidence because he was on holiday during the court hearing and other details of the incident were lost when a notebook was accidentally destroyed in the wash.

The trial was told that 36-year-old Mr Whenary was dragged naked, bloodied and battered and taken to Stockton police station where he was later charged.

Police defended the use of force to arrest Mr Whenary, saying he had shown "superhuman" abilities to shrug off the effects of CS gas and several strikes with batons.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman confirmed the force had sent the case to the IPCC for review. She said: "We are waiting to hear what their findings and recommendations are before we launch an internal investigation."

Sergeant Chris Pendlington, of Cleveland Police Federation, said he was unable to comment on the investigation until it had been completed.

A spokesman for the IPCC said that it had received the paperwork from Cleveland Police and had launched an investigation on the force's behalf.

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