Why no arrest?

Published on 24/09/2012 00:00

REGARDING the incident in Downing Street involving the government chief whip, Andrew Mitchell, and the police (your 
report, 22 September), I would like to know why the MP was not arrested.

The law states that when a 
person who holds a position of public trust commits a crime, it is to be treated as an aggravation of the crime and as such will attract a higher penalty. I have heard John Tully, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, saying on the radio and television “that had any member of the public behaved as Mr Mitchell, did they would have been arrested.”

I believe the officers who dealt with Mr Mitchell broke their code of conduct and breached the criminal law by not arresting him because of his high office in government. As a retired police officer, I think the officers and Mr Mitchell should all face criminal prosecution.

ALISTAIR WATSON

Falloch Road, Milngavie,

East Dumbartonshire