Leading law firm to represent man who had windscreen smashed by police

A motorist who filmed a policeman smashing his car windscreen is to be represented by a leading human rights law firm.

Video footage filmed by Leon Fontana shows the officer shattering the glass with a baton and yelling at him to get out.

Scotland Yard later admitted it was a case of mistaken identity and the police officer was now on "restricted duties".

Mr Fontana was driving in Gospel Oak, north London, when he was confronted by police. He said he needed hospital treatment after fragments of glass hit his eyes.

The 25-year-old mechanic today appointed civil liberties lawyer Sasha Barton to act for him.

The Metropolitan Police said its Directorate of Professional Standards was examining the officer's use of force.

The case is also likely to be referred to the official police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission.