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Dundee policeman suddenly cleared of CS spray ‘assault’ after Tele raises questions
Fedster posted a topic in UK Policing News
Dundee man John McIntosh near where the incident happened and, inset, burns to his face.D C Thomson A 21-month criminal investigation into the conduct of a Dundee police officer has been dropped — less than 48 hours after the Tele raised the case with the Crown Office. For nearly two years, the national Criminal Allegations Against Police Division had been looking into allegations made against the male officer after Dundonian John McIntosh, 39, was injured with CS spray. The injuries came during his arrest back in May 2013 and a probe was launched days later. The Crown Office had previously told the Tele it was still investigating the matter. But on Thursday, less than 48 hours later, it changed its statement to say that the case was no longer being pursued. The decision to drop the case has left Fintry resident Mr McIntosh “very disappointed”. He said: “I’ve been chasing this case up myself for 21 months not hearing a thing and as soon as I get the papers involved they drop the case. “I’m very disappointed in this. The injuries I suffered that day have had such an impact on my life. “The amount of spray used has left me with permanent disfigurement.” A spokesman for the Crown Office said: “The procurator fiscal has received a report concerning an alleged incident involving a police officer said to have occurred in Dundee on May 5 2013. “After full and careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the report by the national Criminal Allegations Against Police Division of COPFS, which independently investigates all criminal allegations made against police officers in Scotland acting in the course of their duty, Crown Counsel decided that there was insufficient evidence to raise any proceedings.” Police Scotland said it had submitted a report to the procurator fiscal on the matter but would not comment further. Mr McIntosh claimed that he suffered burns to his face, head and arm after being sprayed by the officer while he was being arrested on Aberlady Crescent. He also said he had received cuts to his head and injured his shoulder when he was tackled to the ground by police. Following the statement, he said he would continue to pursue the case. He added: “They think this is going to go away, but I’m not going to let them just sweep it under the carpet.” http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/news/local/dundee/dundee-policeman-suddenly-cleared-of-cs-spray-assault-after-tele-raises-questions-1.841260 -
BBC - CS spray man gets police compensation for Brentwood arrest
TheFlomeister + posted a topic in UK Policing News
A man who was sprayed in the face with CS gas by police officers has been awarded a £21,000 compensation pay-out. Essex Police agreed the out-of-court settlement to Alan Lethbridge but has not apologised. Mr Lethbridge, 34, of Romford, said he has had mental health problems since being sprayed during his arrest in Brentwood High Street in 2009. The former builder said he hoped to "rebuild his life" with the money and work again. Mr Lethbridge bought a van with part of his compensation money and is about to return to work, as a delivery driver, for the first time since his arrest. "The money just doesn't do it justice and it wasn't about the money," he said. "It was about the principle that I hadn't done anything in the first place. "It's just a relief that it is all finished with, but it's disappointing that I never got an apology." Defensive skills training In 2010 the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigated and decided Mr Lethbridge's arrest was lawful, but the two people who were sprayed with CS gas should have been given a clear warning. A TV cameraman filmed the CS spray being discharged close to Mr Lethbridge's face. Following the IPCC inquiry, the three police officers involved went on a defensive skills training refresher course and the officer who deployed the CS spray was given advice on its use. The Crown Prosecution Service had previously decided the officers should not face any criminal charges. Mr Lethbridge was convicted for spitting in the face of a paramedic in April 2010, but it was quashed after an appeal. Charges of being drunk and disorderly and using threatening words or behaviour were dropped. "For the five to six years I've been on anti-depressants, the doctors diagnosed me with post-traumatic stress disorder and I've been having counselling," said Mr Lethbridge. "My life has been complete hell for the past five years." Essex Police told BBC Look East it would not issue an apology as Mr Lethbridge's complaint to Essex Police was not upheld by the IPCC. Source here with video