Some are more entitled to justice than others...

Maurice O'Brien • Published 29 Jul 2010 09:30 5 Comments

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WERE any of us to walk up behind a policeman and push him to the ground with such force that he died shortly afterwards there’s little doubt what would happen next.

What definitely wouldn’t happen is an announcement that a heart attack was the cause of death; nor would there be a 16-month wait to announce that, while he did die from injuries after all, conflicting pathological evidence meant there couldn’t be a manslaughter prosecution; and while we’re at it, all the delay means it’s too late for even a minor assault charge.

The public outrage would be deafening and totally justified. But, of course, had the victim been a policeman the cause of death would have been established at the earliest opportunity, the forensic evidence would have been unequivocal and, quite understandably, his colleagues of all ranks would have ensured the wheels of justice sped to a decisive conclusion. So why didn’t newspaper seller Ian Tomlinson merit the same consideration?

The assault on him happened in full public view, thanks to video footage which undoubtedly was as sickening, and indeed demoralising, for the thousands of ordinary, decent coppers out there trying to do their jobs correctly, as it was for the rest of us in the world of reality television.

But any suggestions of a cover-up don’t point the finger at PC Simon Harwood’s ordinary, decent copper mates.

They involve officers much higher up the food chain, those with the power to have had the investigation properly expedited.

Possibly they were the same senior figures who allow saturation level TV documentary makers to peruse CCTV footage and make series with macho titles like ‘Road Wars’ to turn drug busts and homicidally dangerous driving into light entertainment, with the thugs and gung ho, stab-vested coppers seemingly vying for matinee star status. Or maybe they’re the real high-fliers, their shoulders and lapels dripping impressively with silver braid, appearing currently on more serious channels to routinely and arrogantly threaten the removal of bobbies from the beat if the nasty Government cuts their budgets.

While a quick law refresher on demanding money with menaces might not go amiss, when the chief constable of Cambridgeshire tells us her officers spend a third of their time crimefighting and the rest acting as social workers, you have to wonder exactly whose fault that is.

Tie that in with the survey which showed that at any time in this country just one police officer in every 10 is available to walk a beat, and it’s definitely time to vote for Theresa May’s local sheriff’s posse.

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

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Jul 29, 21:59
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Jul 29, 22:06
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samuel chatterton
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Jul 30, 09:32
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Interesting column, tedious comments from a troll.

Oh the joys of free speech.

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macadder
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Jul 31, 10:22
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"some are more entitled to justice than others" ----absolutely!!!-- it was ever thus

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Howard Thomas
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Aug 1, 00:54
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Agreed with 99% of that......I have reservations about Theresa May's plans..........I suspect it will be all about policing on the cheap.......something like Blunkett's bobbies.......but for no money.

In fairness though , it may be worth looking at.

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K.S.Myars
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Aug 1, 18:50
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I am not a troll. And freedom of speech should apply to all not just those that agree with idiots like O'Brien.

If it makes you feel better please allow me to give you some more information about myself.

Name: Kevin.S.Myars

Age 67

Location: Central Reading.

Occupation: Retired-Last employed as Assistant CEO of major company based in West London (will NOT name the company)

Birthplace: Reading (RBH)

Shoe size: 9

Star Sign: Libra

Football team supported: Reading. Naturally!

Political views: Labour

Religion: Atheist

School attended: Katesgrove

As I have already said. I am NOT a troll. I will post my opinions here. If the editor feels the need to gag me then so be it. I will carry on and he/she can refer my posts for "moderation" as many times as he/she likes. I do however feel annoyed that any opinion that differs from Mr O'Brien is removed. Is he that powerful at Chronicle Towers? It would be a very sad state of affairs if so. Having had personal dealings with the man I know what a sh*touse he is. I know the majority of GENUINE contributors to this site will be curious. Anyone that is not is surely a minion of O'Brien.

I bid you good day gentlemen.

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samuel chatterton
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Aug 2, 17:09
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mr myars I saw your earlier comments before they were deleted. I don't like such censorship either but you were clearly trolling - you were making pointless, vulgar, ad hominem attacks that had nothing to do with the subject in hand. if that's not trolling i don't know what is!

then again I dont see why the chronicle feels the need to delete it, your earlier comments only casts a bad light on you as far as i'm concerned. well done for growing up and commenting in a civilised way anyway.

I remain very curious about these policing reforms, but there's a danger it's all just cost-cutting dressed up as reform.

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