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Snapper cleared of assault

Bedfordshire on Sunday photographer Mike Jones has been cleared of assaulting a Bedford Borough Council lawyer.

He denied causing actual bodily harm when he appeared before Luton magistrates, accused of kicking Andy Darkoh in the head.

The bench decided Jones had used “reasonable force” in the incident, which followed a reporter’s attempt to get a snatched shot of the lawyer outside his office.

Defending, Derek Johashen said Mr Jones acted “instinctively” to defend his friend and colleague, and this was a justifiable use of force.

Jones was acquitted and bench chairman Emmanuel Shaw said: “Mr Jones used reasonable force in the circumstances,” and that there was “no intention to cause injury.”

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