One of four policemen accused of cruelty towards police dogs was today expected to begin giving evidence in his defence.
Insp Graham Curtis, Sgt Andrew White, PC Kenneth Boorman and PC Stephen Hopkins, who are all based at the Essex police dog unit in Sandon, deny a total of 24 breaches of the Protection of Animals Act.
Prosecuting lawyers are today expected to conclude their case at Chelmsford Magistrates Court and Boorman is expected to be the first of the defendants to give evidence.
The trial, which began nearly two weeks ago, is expected to last about four weeks in total.
It is alleged that police dog handlers were ordered to kick and beat their dogs after hanging them over fences and walls by their leads.
It is alleged one dog died after suffering a ruptured liver when he was kicked last November.
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