Above The Law

A curious case indeed....

After being found asleep in her car and refusing a breath test, Pamela Somerville was arrested and taken to Melkshan police station in July 2008. CCTV at the station shows Sgt Andrews drag her across the floor of the nick and dump her in a cell. Her immediate escape attempt is quickly thwarted. The second attempt is also unsuccessful. However, the way in which she is 'guided' back into the cell is a tad questionable. Have a look...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-11787126

As you would expect, Sgt Andrews ends up in court to explain himself and is found guilty of causing Actual Bodily Harm (ABH). The Judge stated that Andrews 'presided over an atmosphere of bullying and intimidation upon Ms Somerville'. Andrews' Assistant Chief Constable said that he was 'a disgrace' to the force and that 'There is no place in Wiltshire Police for an officer like this." A six-month sentence was delivered.

Justice done? Not according to the appeal Judge.

No criminal offence took place.

Surely someone has a few questions to answer here? The CCTV has not changed but the views of the court have and the ACC may have to take back his comments.

Suspended on full pay while a 'Conduct Hearing' takes place. The result of which will be made public.

So, if the Conduct Hearing exonerates Andrews, the ACC is going to look a bit daft and the public will rightly wonder what actually constitutes bad conduct. Look at the victims injuries. Are they not criminal?

If the Conduct Hearing is less than favourable, was the appeal Judge correct?

More importantly, how will this whole incident affect public confidence in the professionalism of the police?