The Bill runs up a big bill
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ver zealous actions by Hampshire police officers during antiroad building demonstrations on the M3 extension near Winchester have cost the public purse dearly The police have coughed up £53,350 to protestors in out of court settlements for unlawful arrest, wrongful imprisonment and malicious prosecution during May and June 1993. But that's not all. A further 40 cases in the pipeline could take the damages bill to £500000.
The payments so far have gone to 10 protestors, most of whom were arrested for obstructing police officers. But the police have no powers of arrest for obstruction unless a warrant is obtained. Chief Constable John Hoddinott has said sorry to the protestors; maybe he should apologise to the rest of us who ultimately foot the bill.
by the Hawk