MERSEYSIDE Police last night said Andrew Jackson, who worked in CID at Marsh Lane police station, Bootle, would face an internal investigation.

Acting Chief Superintendent Ian Kemble last night said: "It is very sad that Christopher Shackleton lost his life following the incident at the Freshfield pub last July, and our thoughts remain with his family.

"PC Andrew Jackson has today been found guilty of common assault by magistrates following a thorough investigation.

"Merseyside Police takes the professional standards of its officers and staff extremely seriously. It is essential that police officers and staff act with integrity at all times, and that as a Force we take swift and robust action to investigate anyone suspected of breaking the law. Officers or police employees who find themselves the subject of a criminal investigation will receive the same treatment as any other member of the public and this case involving PC Jackson was no exception. The case was thoroughly investigated and PC Jackson has been put before the courts.

"The incident was referred to the IPCC as a matter of protocol, and it was referred back to Merseyside Police for a local investigation.

“Following the conclusion of the trial, PC Jackson now faces an internal misconduct hearing.."