A police officer has been charged with assaulting a suspect in a cell at Canterbury station.

Sgt Paul Coughlan is accused of using disproportionate force in striking the man as he was held in custody on March 29 this year.

Following his release, the alleged victim made an official complaint about Coughlan's actions, which was referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

It completed its investigation in July and handed its findings to the Crown Prosecution Service, which has now authorised a charge of assault by beating.

Coughlan will appear at Margate Magistrates' Court on November 7.