Cameron Doomadgee died in 2004, having been arrested for public drunkenness after verbally abusing the police in Palm Island, Queensland.

Politicians have called for calm over the verdict.

The death and the initial decision that there was not enough evidence to bring charges triggered rioting.

"I would urge all those with an interest in the case to accept the decision of the court calmly," Australia's Aboriginal Affairs Minister Mal Brough said.

Aboriginal leaders have reacted angrily to the verdict. One described it as shocking.

Emotive case

This has been one of the most highly charged and emotive cases in recent Australian legal history, says the BBC's Nick Bryant in Sydney.

It pitted the police against the Aboriginal community in Palm Island, he adds.

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It took the jury just over three hours to decide that Sergeant Chris Hurley was not guilty of either manslaughter or assault in connection with the death of Mr Doomadgee, also known as Mulrunji.

The case focused on a struggle at Palm Island police station in November 2004, during which the 36-year-old had his liver cleaved in two and suffered fatal internal bleeding.

Sgt Hurley admitted in court he was to blame for these injuries but argued they were caused accidentally after he tripped and fell on the victim.

The prosecution put forward a quite different version of events, claiming the police officer knew what he was doing.