THE jury hearing the trial of a Lowestoft police sergeant who is alleged to have struck a handcuffed burglar twice across the head with his baton were sent home last night after failing to reach a verdict.

THE jury hearing the trial of a Lowestoft police sergeant who is alleged to have struck a handcuffed burglar twice across the head with his baton were sent home last night after failing to reach a verdict.

The Norwich Crown Court jury will reconvene to continue its deliberations today (Thursday).

Andrew Jervis, 41, of Suffolk police, is said to have struck Ashley Whitwam after he had been restrained by three constables, when he was caught breaking into slot machines.

The officer, based in Lowestoft, Suffolk, is then alleged to have attempted to cover up what happened by encouraging the three 'inexperienced' constables who attended the incident not to reveal his role in the arrest.

Jervis denies assaulting Mr Whitwam at Gunton Hall holiday resort in Lowestoft and perverting the course of justice.

He claimed he hit Mr Whitwam with his baton after he continued to violently struggle with officers and said he did not know he was handcuffed at the time.