Police chief still says tackle yobs
Aug 14 2008 by Dave Black, The Journal
NORTHUMBRIA Police said last night their boss stood by his call for people to face up to yobs after a former officer was arrested for doing it.
Last month chief constable Mike Craik said he wanted a “culture change” among adults too scared to challenge young troublemakers.
But yesterday The Journal revealed that retired inspector Paul Lawson, 52, had faced possible prosecution after standing up to youths who hurled a beer can against his car late one night in Morpeth.
Mr Lawson – who served 30 years with the Metropolitan Police before retiring to his home county of Northumberland – challenged the gang but backed off after they threatened to kill him, attack his wife and brother and smash up his car.
He reported the incident to two patrolling police officers, but was astonished to be arrested after one of the youths alleged he had been assaulted.
Mr Lawson was held in a police cell for more than two hours and had his fingerprints and DNA taken before being bailed. He had to wait weeks to be told no more action would be taken.
Mr Lawson, who denies assaulting anyone, said: “If this is what the chief constable wants people to do, then I think he needs to pass the message down the line. He should go to police stations and tell his officers. I was a victim who was then accused of doing something for standing up to troublemakers.”
The force said Mr Craik stood by his comments, despite Mr Lawson’s remarks. Northumberland commander Chief Superintendent Kevin Lambert said police had checked Mr Lawson’s car, but could see no damage and had found nothing to substantiate the allegation anyone was to blame.
Mr Lambert said the assault complaint from one youth had also been investigated, but discontinued for lack of evidence.
“More than 12 months later, Mr Lawson made an official complaint about the way this situation was dealt with. This complaint was handled by Northumberland area command, we believed to his satisfaction. … He has not re-contacted us since that time to discuss his latest concerns and we have now invited him to do so.” No police had been disciplined.
