A policeman accused of headbutting a colleague at a boozy CID party has been cleared.
Det Sgt Adrian Tyson denied causing actual bodily harm to PC Paul Daly, claiming he was acting in self defence.
A Basildon Crown Court judge found Tyson, of Bicknacre, not guilty on Friday after a four-day trial.
PC Daly, 38, of Upminster, demanded £6,000 in order to have vital repairs done to his teeth, which he claimed were broken in the attack.
Tyson, 36, signed a contract promising to pay for the dental treatment but never did.
An argument erupted at a party around Christmas 1997 at Chicago Rock Cafe in Chelmsford.
Tyson, who admitted being "very drunk" before the party, told the court he felt threatened when PC Daly stood near him.
He did not realise PC Daly was a fellow officer.
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