Met Police officer 'told colleagues to switch off their body cams before he hit motorist, 34, in the head when he became abusive during arrest'

Ian Smellie, 64, who has since retired from the force, squared up to Rafik Miah, 34, before assaulting him, it is claimed

A police officer told colleagues to turn off their body worn cameras and gave a motorist a clip round the ear, a court heard today. 

Ian Smellie, 64, who has since retired from the force, squared up to Rafik Miah, 34, before assaulting him, it is claimed.

Mr Miah was arrested in Kyverdale Road, Stoke Newington, north London, on November 10 last year, under section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

He was argumentative and abusive towards the six officers as he was searched, City of London Magistrates' Court heard.

His handcuffs were then removed and Smellie told colleagues: 'Turn your cameras off.'

PC Nicolas Cousins said: 'There was a negative search of the male, as a result of the search and a name check.

'Handcuffs were removed, and the stop was ended.'

Smellie took off his vest and took Mr Miah round the corner, the court heard.

The officer then said to Mr Miah: 'You think you're a big man?'

Smellie raised his arm and clipped Mr Miah around the ear before returning to his vehicle, putting his vest back on and leaving the area, the court heard.

PC Cousins added: 'I was a little bit in shock as what was happening and wanted to process it

'It was just a very strange way for a stop to end and it wasn't something I was using to seeing.'

Within half an hour Mr Miah made a complaint about Smellie's actions, the court heard.

Smellie, of Holloway, north London, denies common assault.

The trial continues.

Mr Miah was arrested in Kyverdale Road, Stoke Newington, north London, on November 10 last year, under section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. He was subsequently released without charge