A former policeman accused of assaulting a photographer has been told by lawyers he has no case to answer.

David Freeman, longterm partner of Lewes District Council leader Ann de Vecchi, was pictured jumping into a car and lunging at freelance snapper Eddie Mitchell in December.

Mr Mitchell, 40, said Mr Freeman attacked him after he had called at the couple's home with a reporter from The Argus.

He said Mr Freeman threatened the reporter and then assaulted him in his car, damaging the vehicle and punching him in the face.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced it would not bring any charges against Mr Freeman, who served with Sussex Police for 25 years, in February. Mr Mitchell said he had since appealed to the head of the CPS to take the matter further but was again rebuffed yesterday.

Mr Mitchell was left with a small cut under his eye and bruises, photographed by police, after the alleged incident.

He said: "I've taken it to the top level of the CPS, their directors in London, but they have again decided that no action be taken. I'm disgusted.

"I'm amazed they think it is fine for a man to act in this way, climbing into a private motor vehicle and attacking someone just for taking pictures.

"It was only because of the aggressive way he was treating the journalist that I was taking photographs in the first place."

The alleged assault occurred when the reporter and Mr Mitchell called to speak to Coun de Vecchi about the council's decision to challenge plans for the Brighton and Hove Albion stadium in Falmer.

Mr Freeman is said to have answered the door, claiming he did not know if Coun de Vecchi was home or not.

Mr Mitchell said the retired policeman then threatened the reporter and ran at the photographer's car, opening the door, jumping inside and punching him.

He is now putting together a case for a civil action, claiming damages for assault or negligence. Mr Mitchell said: "I can understand why this decision would have been made if there wasn't any photographic evidence as it would have been a matter of his word against ours.

"But the pictures tell the whole story. So I'm taking it through the civil courts and we'll see what happens there."

A spokesman for the CPS said the service was not making any comment on the case at this time. Mr Freeman was Chief Superintendent of the North Downs division from 1987 till his retirement in 1990. He then acted as treasurer of the Sixth Lewes Sea Scouts.

Mr Freeman was unavailable to comment on the CPS decision.