A man who falsely accused a police officer of assault and robbery has been cleared of perverting the course of justice.

Detective Constable Peter Darby suffered a heart attack just days after he was arrested following a drunken fracas with Liam Goff, 20.

Goff accused the officer of stealing his gold ring and burning his hand with a cigarette.

But he later realised he was mistaken and remembered he had swapped the £50 ring with a friend earlier that evening, Hove Crown Court heard.

A jury yesterday unanimously acquitted Mr Goff, 20, of Hilltop Way, Newhaven.

The trial heard Mr Darby had drunk seven pints of lager with a colleague on September 3 last year and encountered a gang of rowdy teenagers at a bus stop in Marine Parade, Brighton.

He said the gang, of which Mr Goff appeared to be ringleader, was making homophobic remarks to passers-by. He intervened and a scuffle ensued in which he admitted grabbing the young man by the neck.

Later that night Mr Goff told police Mr Darby had assaulted him and stolen his ring, but did not want to press charges or make a written statement.

Mr Darby was arrested and his home searched. Days later he had a heart attack and will be on medication and restricted duties for the rest of his life.

The officer was cleared of any wrongdoing following a Kent Police investigation.

He said: "I cannot be put in any confrontational role in case it brings on another heart attack."

Goff blamed his actions on being drunk.

He said: "I was not trying to get him in trouble.

"I was mistaken. I am sorry."

Sussex Police Federation chairman, Brian Stockham said: "We are surprised, even astounded, by the verdict of the jury.

"We are not least very disappointed on behalf of Peter."