Trial Of PC Simon Harwood
PC Simon Harwood, 45, is accused of killing newspaper-seller Ian Tomlinson during the G20 protests in 2009. Harwood denies manslaughter
PC admits hitting Ian Tomlinson
The police officer accused of killing the newspaper-seller Ian Tomlinson has admitted hitting him with a baton and pushing him - because he thought he was deliberately obstructing the police.
Constable Simon Harwood today begun giving evidence at his trial, where he denies a charge of manslaughter.
Mr Tomlinson died during the G20 protests in central London three years ago.
Harwood today told a court he believed the 47-year-old was being deliberately obstructive when he hit him with a baton and pushed him to the ground.
He said Mr Tomlinson looked as if he "wanted" officers to move him away.
Harwood hit Mr Tomlinson with his baton and shoved him to the ground near the Royal Exchange Buildings in the City of London during the G20 protests in April 2009.
Mr Tomlinson, who was an alcoholic and slept rough for a number of years, walked around 75 yards before he collapsed and later died.
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