Michael Copeland, not police, hit wife during loyalist protest

An investigation into an Ulster Unionist's claim that his wife was assaulted by a policeman has concluded he accidentally hit her himself.

Michael Copeland had accused the officer of striking his wife with a baton during a loyalist protest in Belfast city centre last August.

He lodged a complaint with the police ombudsman, alleging PSNI assault.

However, video footage taken by police shows Mr Copeland accidentally hitting his wife on the back of her head.

Vincent Kearney reports.