A Metropolitan Police officer will face assault charges for allegedly striking a female G20 protester after the Crown Prosecution Service ruled there was sufficient evidence to launch legal proceedings.

Video footage appeared to show Sergeant Delroy Smellie slapping and striking a woman with a baton.

Nicola Fisher, 35, from Brighton, was walking towards a vigil for Ian Tomlinson, who died during the previous day’s protests, when she was allegedly accosted by the officer on April 2.

Ms Fisher subsequently gave a series of interviews describing her ordeal. "It wasn't a tap, he used his full force. It was very violent and aggressive and unnecessary," she said.

A CPS spokeswoman said today that there was sufficient evidence to charge Sergeant Smellie with assault by beating of Ms Fisher and he will appear at City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court on November 16.

Sergeant Smellie was suspended while the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) conducted an investigation into the allegations made by Ms Fisher.

A CPS spokeswoman said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has decided that there is sufficient evidence to charge Police Sergeant Delroy (Tony) Smellie with the offence of assault by beating of Nicola Fisher on April 2 2009 at a demonstration in the City of London.

“The CPS reviewed a file of evidence provided by the Independent Police Complaints Commission following their investigation into Ms Fisher’s allegation.

“A summons has been served on Sgt Smellie, who will appear at City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court on November 16 2009.”

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