I am usually the first to support the police who in my view get more than their fair share of bad press.
However in this case I have to say, based on their own video footage, that they were too aggressive and used force out of all proportion with the crime committed and the age of the individual involved.
Because he drove off, albeit under the illusion that he had been dealt with, the police then set off in hot pursuit as if they were the stars Police, Camera, Action. At no time during the pursuit did pensioner Robert Whately exceed the speed limit and he finally stopped when a police office deployed a “stinger”.
So why then was it necessary for police officers to smash the side windows of Mr Whatelys car and for one officer to leap onto the bonnet of his car and start kicking the windscreen. The officers eventually pulled Mr Whately unceremoniously from his car. After viewing the video I have come to the conclusion that there was no valid reason for the bully boy tactics employed by these officers.
When you consider that the police had originally pulled over Mr. Whately for not wearing a seatbelt does anyone else find it interesting that “ Mr Whatley was found guilty of not wearing a seat belt, failing to stop for a police officer and having tinted car windows that did not conform to legal requirements. He was cleared of failing to stop after an accident. He admitted having a registration plate which didn’t adhere to regulations and was fined a total of £235 and ordered to pay £300 towards prosecution costs.”
This situation sounds very similar to that of a friend of mine after his parked car was damaged by a police vehicle, being driven by a police mechanic. My friend was at work several miles away from his car at the time of the accident. Neighbours described how his car, parked outside his house, was subjected to severe scrutiny by several police officers. These officers looked into all aspects of how his car was parked, checked to see that it had valid MOT, insurance and that the tyres, lights etc. were all legal.
It seems to me that it doesn’t pay to cross / upset the police as what starts out as a minor issue can rapidly become a major one with only one outcome.
WrAnTz 