FORMER police officer Kieran Jones has won his appeal against conviction and sentence.

The 30-year-old, described by two sergeants as "one of the top officers in the Stoke-on-Trent policing division", overturned a 12-week suspended prison sentence he received in December for allegedly assaulting 15-year-old Shane Wood.

Yesterday's ruling allows Mr Jones, who was dismissed by the Staffordshire force following the conviction, to reapply for his job.

During the three-day hearing at Birmingham Crown Court, it was alleged that Mr Jones had punched the teenager with a single blow after arresting him in Bentilee in the early hours of October 20, 2007.

But the respondent's case (the Crown Prosecution Service) failed after medical experts gave their opinions about how Mr Wood's injuries could have been sustained.

Dr Bhikha Shankar – the respondent's own witness – conceded it was virtually inconceivable for a fist to cause one of the injuries. He added that it was inconceivable that one blow could cause the set of injuries.

Armed forces eye specialist, Wing Commander Robert Scott, called by the defence, said it was more likely one of the injuries was caused by a flat surface rather than a punch.

Judge Peter Carr, sitting with two justices, said the medical evidence was "fatal" to the respondent's case and allowed Mr Jones's appeal.

Mr Jones, of Talke Road, Alsager, was dismissed at a disciplinary hearing in May after admitting he received the conviction.

But the door is now open for the father-of-one to reapply for his job, which his former colleagues say he was very good at.

Sergeant Steven George, from the Incident Management Unit, who tutored Mr Jones when he was a student officer, said: "He was probably the keenest officer I have come across.

"He was absolutely first class with the public. He had a natural gift at talking to people.

"He was trustworthy and hardworking."

Sergeant George said he had been on hundreds of jobs with Mr Jones which involved dealing with disorder and he never saw him using excessive force or unfairly treating a prisoner.

Sergeant Philip Bryan recommended Mr Jones for a commendation after he forced entry into a Hanley flat in which a man had been badly beaten. He apprehended the offenders, who were later charged with murder.

He said: "Kieran is one of the best officers. He is very professional and highly competent."

Mr Jones declined to comment after winning his appeal.

Inspector Tony Fellows, from Staffordshire Police's professional standards, said: "In line with force discipline procedures Kieran Jones was dismissed after being convicted of a criminal offence.

"The evidence has been reconsidered at a three-day appeal hearing at Birmingham Crown Court and his conviction was quashed.

"Staffordshire Police are awaiting a formal response from Mr Jones in respect of his intentions.

"The Chief Constable, who is the reviewing officer for all disciplinary matters, will then, if Mr Jones requests it, reconsider his reinstatement."

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