22/05/2012
Riot Policeman In Court On Racist Charges
A Metropolitan Police officer has denied racially abusing a suspect during the riots in London last summer.
PC Alex McFarlane was suspended from service after allegedly using a racist term towards a suspect, who filmed it on his mobile phone.
The 52-year-old officer appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and entered a not guilty plea to charges of intending to cause harassment, alarm or distress and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.
He was released on bail until 29 June when he is due to go on trial at Southwark Crown Court.
He was charged after a prosecutors’ U-turn hinging on mobile phone footage, allegedly taken by Mauro Demetrio, from Beckton, east London, last August.
In the footage, PC McFarlane is alleged to say: “The problem with you is, you will always be a n*****, yeah?”
Mr Demetrio, 21, was held on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, but no action was taken.
The decision to prosecute came after the police watchdog announced a review of a string of complaints about racism at the Metropolitan Police.
Alison Saunders, chief prosecutor for London, said: "When a review shows a previous decision not to prosecute is wrong, it is open to the CPS to rectify that error by bringing new proceedings."
(NE)
PC Alex McFarlane was suspended from service after allegedly using a racist term towards a suspect, who filmed it on his mobile phone.
The 52-year-old officer appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and entered a not guilty plea to charges of intending to cause harassment, alarm or distress and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.
He was released on bail until 29 June when he is due to go on trial at Southwark Crown Court.
He was charged after a prosecutors’ U-turn hinging on mobile phone footage, allegedly taken by Mauro Demetrio, from Beckton, east London, last August.
In the footage, PC McFarlane is alleged to say: “The problem with you is, you will always be a n*****, yeah?”
Mr Demetrio, 21, was held on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, but no action was taken.
The decision to prosecute came after the police watchdog announced a review of a string of complaints about racism at the Metropolitan Police.
Alison Saunders, chief prosecutor for London, said: "When a review shows a previous decision not to prosecute is wrong, it is open to the CPS to rectify that error by bringing new proceedings."
(NE)
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27 January 2009
French Court Postpones Extradition Decision
Magistrates in France have today postponed a decision on the extradition of Robert Williams, to the UK, after he was found with a teenage girl from Lincolnshire. Fifteen-year-old Laura Stainforth, was discovered in France last week with Mr Williams after going missing from her home.
French Court Postpones Extradition Decision
Magistrates in France have today postponed a decision on the extradition of Robert Williams, to the UK, after he was found with a teenage girl from Lincolnshire. Fifteen-year-old Laura Stainforth, was discovered in France last week with Mr Williams after going missing from her home.
08 May 2009
Man Jailed For Attempted Murder Of Pc
A south London man has been jailed for 25 years for tying to shoot a policeman. Michael Mitchell, 32, of Babington Road, Streatham, was convicted of attempting to murder Pc Shaun Callow, possession of a firearm and possession of drugs with intent to supply.
Man Jailed For Attempted Murder Of Pc
A south London man has been jailed for 25 years for tying to shoot a policeman. Michael Mitchell, 32, of Babington Road, Streatham, was convicted of attempting to murder Pc Shaun Callow, possession of a firearm and possession of drugs with intent to supply.
22 November 2007
Buried Body Suspect Attacked In Prison
The man accused of the murder of teenager Vicky Hamilton has been attacked in prison by an inmate. Peter Tobin, 61, who is being held at Saughton jail in Edinburgh, was due in court on Thursday to face charges relating to the murder of the 15-year-old Scottish schoolgirl.
Buried Body Suspect Attacked In Prison
The man accused of the murder of teenager Vicky Hamilton has been attacked in prison by an inmate. Peter Tobin, 61, who is being held at Saughton jail in Edinburgh, was due in court on Thursday to face charges relating to the murder of the 15-year-old Scottish schoolgirl.
15 November 2007
Prisoner Makes Court Appearance Over Kent Body
A man has appeared in court to face charges related to the death of 15-year-old Vicky Hamilton, whose remains were found in the garden of a house in Kent. Peter Tobin, 61, who is currently in custody, appeared before Linlithgow Sheriff Court on Thursday. He was remanded in custody and is expected to reappear in court next week.
Prisoner Makes Court Appearance Over Kent Body
A man has appeared in court to face charges related to the death of 15-year-old Vicky Hamilton, whose remains were found in the garden of a house in Kent. Peter Tobin, 61, who is currently in custody, appeared before Linlithgow Sheriff Court on Thursday. He was remanded in custody and is expected to reappear in court next week.
15 June 2005
Bashir may face legal action
British journalist Martin Bashir could face legal action over a controversial Michael Jackson documentary, following the pop superstar’s acquittal from child abuse charges.
Bashir may face legal action
British journalist Martin Bashir could face legal action over a controversial Michael Jackson documentary, following the pop superstar’s acquittal from child abuse charges.