The one they hang out to dry is a black cop

seem to be a very minute bloc

Most likely he was obeying orders and training. They are covering for the officer with the most seniority who gave these orders, including the order to attack peaceful protesters. The order may even have come from the home office.

whilst i also find the race angle interesting, i have to say this guy was not only following orders for god's sake, he's been bashing us for years, at least a decade, i and friends of mine bear the scars of previous encounters. he's a nasty sadistic little shit who always does as much physical harm to us as he possibly can, regardless of what his bosses say on the day.
get out on streets, that way you will come to know and recognise the individual cops who take it to the next level and not just the theory or what the media/conspiritorists tell you.

serves him right!!

They are being true to form, by having a go at the little guy in the hope that we won't notice the big guy getting away with it.

If it gets as far as a trial the copper will simply say that he was only obeying orders and following his training. He will then probably be let off and told to continue the good work he is doing. The case will be decided by magistrates, who have a poor record on doing the right thing.

Meanwhile those who came up with the orders and training will be promoted. That is what has happened when the police have murdered someone, including Stockwell.

This prosecution is probably only being mounted in order that the CPS can pretend that they are even handed. They are going to be a laughing stock when the prosecution of the Space Hijackers becomes public knowledge, even readers of the Times can see that it is a truly stupid decision  http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/law/article6850901.ece and they will want to be able to point to this prosecution.