Trial to Focus on Alleged Police Cover Up

Chicago police officers are accused of trying to protect a colleague accused of beating

The shocking videotape showed off-duty Chicago police Officer Anthony Abbate throw a female bartender half his size against a wall in the Northwest Side tavern, slam her to the floor and pummel her with frenzied punches and kicks.

Weeks later, fearful for the bartender's safety and that police had downplayed the seriousness of the beating, her lawyers released the video, sparking international outrage and one of the most embarrassing incidents in the Police Department's history.

(h/t Ryan Compaan via email)