Posts Tagged ‘Police’
Liberal Democrats use fake nurse and policeman in their election literature
First the Fib Dem’s had a fake nurse in their election literature, now a fake policeman
Lib Dems stage ‘fake PC’ photo
 The Lib Dems’ Welsh manifesto shows leader Kirsty Williams apparently speaking to a police officer – but he is not one
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Welsh Liberal Democrats have defended using a “model” dressed as a police officer in a photo with leader Kirsty Williams in their manifesto.
It is the second time in a week that the Welsh Lib Dems have admitted using stand-ins in photographs.
The party said the photo was “illustrative” and that it would not be detailing the identity of the stand-in.
Last week Cardiff North candidate John Dixon used a Lib Dem researcher dressed as a nurse in an election leaflet.
The leaflet showed him talking to a woman in nurse’s uniform who was actually a researcher for Lib Dem Assembly Member Mick Bates.
This leaflet picture showed a Lib Dem candidate speaking to a researcher dressed as a nurse
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The photograph with Ms Williams appeared on page 35 of their general election manifesto in a section promising more officers on the beat.
Explaining the rationale for using such photographs, a Lib Dem spokesperson said: “Photos like these are used for illustrative purposes as it is obviously difficult for some serving members of the police force or the health service to appear in general election literature.”
The party said that the use of such “illustrative photographs” was strictly limited to the policy areas of health and policing.
The spokesperson said: “In our election communication, we only used illustrative photographs to highlight our commitment to improving the NHS and increasing the number of police on our streets.”
The party stressed that Ms Williams was not “complicit in the impersonation of a police officer”.
‘No impersonation’
The spokesperson said: “There has been no such impersonation. Being photographed dressed in a way that illustrates the police service, does not in any way represent impersonating a police officer, so there is nothing to be complicit in.”
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 We don’t intend to divulge the identity of the model for obvious reasons as it would potentially cause a lot of media intrusion for the individual concerned  Welsh Liberal Democrats
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However, a Welsh Conservative Party spokesperson said: “We were under the impression impersonating a police officer is a criminal offence.”
He added: “It would seem the Lib Dems’ support for law and order is purely ‘illustrative’ – just as it was last week when they used a fake nurse to promote their claims of support for the NHS.
“The Liberals talk about being an ‘honest partner’ at this election. Yet twice in three days they’ve been caught out trying to mislead the public.”
Tories said they were not aware of any such examples in their own election literature, and that each election publication was the responsibility of each election agent.
‘Fireman Sam’
A spokesman for Plaid Cymru said: “We can confirm that we don’t dress up members of staff or supporters in uniforms to pretend that we’re talking to real policemen or nurses – we prefer to talk to the real thing.”
Plaid also told BBC Wales: “It’s pretty worrying that the Lib Dems leader appears to be getting advice on law and order from and actor or member of staff dressed up as a policeman, however we’re not surprised by this latest leaflet – everyone knows that the Lib Dems are a party willing to do just about anything to get votes.”
“They have also tried to dress Nick Clegg up as someone who cares about Wales – and clearly that’s not true.”
A spokesperson for Welsh Labour said: “First a fake nurse, then a fake policeman – what’s next, a picture with Fireman Sam?
‘Media intrusion’
“Everyone knows that the Lib Dems will do absolutely anything for a vote, from their dodgy graphs to make-believe photos, they have always been the shameless chancers of Welsh politics.”
Lib Dems said they would not reveal the identity of the stand-in police officer.
“We don’t intend to divulge the identity of the model for obvious reasons as it would potentially cause a lot of media intrusion for the individual concerned and is not material to the issue,” the party spokesperson said.
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Political correctness is damaging our society and must be stopped UK
To arms!
You probably haven’t seen this story before, but you’ve seen a dozen like it – overzealous, over-the-top prosecution of law-abiding person by authorities which chase politically correct agendas rather than target criminals.
Jim Railton is an auctioneer. He was given a lot to sell – a little wooden cabinet with some 19th century eggs in it. It was valued at £30. He put it up for sale.
He was arrested and treated like a criminal – he is now charged with two offences relating to the sale of bird eggs under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (an Act some 90 years younger than the eggs…). As Jim says,
“in retrospect, we should have just smashed the eggs. They are antique birds eggs, and all of common species, and had old paper copperplate hand-written labels on them. It was a little oak chest, which we judged to be circa 1900.
We sell butterflies, shells, taxidermy – in fact just the type of things that come from people’s attics. To be arrested for offering to sell this little chest seems absurd, and a complete waste of police time. They have interviewed me twice, taken my fingerprints, swabbed me for DNA, had RSPB specialist inspectors visit Berwick to look at the eggs…”
Name and shame time – ridiculous attitude from the RSPB, who aggressively pursued this and caused the prosecution to come about. Even worse from Northumbria Police, who really ought to know better. Let’s presume for a moment that they were right that this is an issue (which, of course, it’s not, but play along…) – consider all the steps they could have taken before getting to this stage: (a) a friendly telephone call pointing out he’d unintentionally breached this rule; (b) a letter setting out a warning; (c) an in-person visit from a constable (we’re already in OTT territory); (d) forbidding the sale; (e) summoning him for interview. But no; our masters really want to get this guy – because he’s a law-abiding normal person who has strayed over a line – i.e. the favourite target for the authorities in modern Britain.
In the circumstances, Jim is understandably having a think about what to do next – get it all over with, or fight these ridiculous charges. Big Brother Watch has talked with him about assisting him in this unpleasantness which is of course disrupting his business and personal life; we begin by letting you know about it and calling for your help. For starters, you might like to visit their website and, if in the neighbourhood, support the business…
We are proud to support Jim in this ridiculous case. We have had some success with cases in the past and this is a prime example of the kind of overbearing, politically correct absurdity we were created to fight.
By Alex Deane
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Shocking state of people admitted to Accident and Emergency – Inverness, Scotland
Drunk 12-year-old girl rushed to hospital
Published: 04 March, 2010
“Raigmore Hospital’s A&E department was not a pleasant place to be on Saturday night, according to Jim Ferguson.”
A 12-YEAR-old drunk, two men who had been assaulted in booze-fuelled bust-ups and a drug user who had overdosed…
These were just some of the many patients who ended their Saturday night at Raigmore Hospital’s accident and emergency department.
And it wasn’t a pretty sight, according to crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers’ Highland chairman Jim Ferguson, who shadowed A&E staff for six hours to see first-hand their dealings with the fall-out of drink and drugs.
For, during his visit, he saw only one patient whose admission was not down to booze or substance abuse.
Mr Ferguson, who is also Scottish depute chairman of Crimestoppers, told the Highland News: “While it wasn’t pleasant to see all the blood, gore and trauma, it did highlight a number of issues that are screaming out for action to be taken on.
“I would appeal for other people like Highland councillors and government officials to see for themselves what is happening.”
Shortly after his arrival at 10pm, the first patient rushed to the ward was a 12-year-old girl.
He recalled: “She had consumed a fairly large quantity of alcohol. I am not sure what the circumstances were, but she was taken in with serious alcohol poisoning and was kept in for several hours under observation.”
He continued: “I saw a number of people who were in as a result of alcohol. I saw one chap under the influence of alcohol who was covered in blood, with his clothes ripped and he was being helped to walk by two police officers. He had been severely beaten and he was taken into one of the observation units.
“Another chap came in with serious facial injuries so severe he would have been unrecognisable to anyone who knew him. He was badly cut round the face and there was blood coming out of gaping head wounds. His lips were torn and bleeding. Again, he had been assaulted while under the influence of alcohol.
“I also saw a man who had been involved in a road traffic accident and he had crashed his vehicle while being under the influence of alcohol.
“There was another man, probably in his 20s, who was suffering from a drugs overdose.
“There was only one admission to A&E I saw that was not drink or drugs-induced and that was an elderly gentleman with breathing difficulties.”
Speaking to reception staff, nurses and doctors, Mr Ferguson found that this was not a particularly busy night for A&E – and was perhaps even on the quiet side for a typical Saturday night following pay day.
He took the opportunity to speak to staff about the sort of problems they come up against while dealing with people who are the worst for wear due to drink or drugs.
He explained: “I was aware that in A&Es across Scotland there are incidents of very serious verbal and physical violence and that was confirmed on Saturday by staff I spoke to.
“Reception staff who deal with people when they first come in told me about incidents of verbal abuse where people threatened to find out where they lived and told graphically, in ways I can’t repeat, what they would do.
“They also told me of incidents of physical violence where people under the influence of drink or drugs have lashed out, often without warning. They said they really have to have their wits about them.
“I’m shocked and appalled to hear people who are genuinely doing their best to help people are subjected to such violence and disrespect.”
He also asked staff their thoughts on the impending closure of the city’s drying-out centre at Beechwood House. The unit, which will close at the end of March if funding is not found, provides 24-hour emergency rehab care for those suffering the affects of drink or drugs.
He said: “They told me this is a nightmare waiting to happen. Beechwood House has incredibly patient staff and provides a unique facility.”
Mr Ferguson, who hopes to foster greater links between Crimestoppers and NHS Highland, said he was impressed by “the sheer level of professionalism of A&E staff”.
He added: “Not only are they proficient, they are incredibly knowledgeable. They are dedicated, hard working and don’t judge, however frustrating they find things.
“We are fortunate to have a such dedicated people working in Inverness.”
Another point in all of this is the fact that people should simply not have to run the gauntlet of drunks and drug addicts often fighting while in Accident and Emergency. Its bad enough being there trying to deal with whatever has happened without this going on which adds to the stress and suffering of people there especially children.
Jim Ferguson
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Labour have failed to achieve the best for the people of the UK
I found the following article to be of great interest and one that clearly shows how Labour have failed to achieve the best for the people of this country.
Every person should read this and in particular people who voted Labour the last time around. They need to understand the feckless mismanagement of our economy, health care, policing, military and education by this Labour Government and read the proof for themselves.
The only way forward for Britain is to oust this Labour Government and that can only be done when the majority of people across the UK wake up and realise just how far Britain has fallen and the rate at which it continues to fall.
Jim Ferguson
Labour’s Two Nations
The Conservatives have launched “Labour’s Two Nations”, a comprehensive assessment of the level of inequality under this Labour government.
Labour’s great claim is that they are ‘for the many, not the few’, but that rings hollow today.
This report exposes the truth: after thirteen years in government, the party that prides itself on fairness has delivered the very opposite.
And in the foreword, David Cameron outlines Conservative plans to create “the big society” – our positive alternative to Labour’s failed big government – through which responsibility and opportunity can develop.
You can read the document in full using the reader below or alternatively click here to download a copy.
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Sex offender statistics causing concern
Sex offenders figures down – or are they?
By Olivia Bell
Published: 29 October, 2009
THE Highlands and Islands has dropped down the rankings in the Scottish sex offenders league in the latest set of figures published by the authority which monitors and manages them.
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Instead of being third in Scotland for the number per 100,000 of the population on the sex offenders’ register, the region has dropped to sixth place out of nine areas during 2008/2009.
But the way the figures are collated has changed from last year’s statistics, which gave the region a high ranking.
This year the Northern Community Justice Authority – which covers Grampian and Highlands and Islands – has reduced the number of sex offenders shown by taking out those in prison awaiting pre-release, only showing those who live in the community.
However, there are now five sex offenders classed as level three – who pose the most risk of serious harm to the community and need high level monitoring – one more than last year.
And the authority’s annual report states: “It is envisaged the total number of registered sex offenders will rise year on year.
“This is not a cause for alarm as the increase is due to the fact that offenders often remain on the register for longer than 12 months, with some being registered for life.”
This year, on March 31, there were 167 living in the community, which equates to 58.5 per 100,000.
In August, the Highland News Group highlighted that in 2007/2008 there were 71 registered sex offenders per 100,000 in the region, with only Fife and Glasgow ahead in the statistics.
At the time, Jim Ferguson, Inverness Crime Prevention Panel and Highland Crimestoppers chairman, questioned whether this meant offenders were being moved to the Highlands and Islands from other areas.
The HNG has now asked Scottish Information Commissioner Kevin Dunion to look into Northern Constabulary’s refusal, through a Freedom of Information request, to give the number moving into the region and also the cost of managing such offenders.
In our original story, the HNG highlighted two high profile cases where offenders broke their release conditions and were sent back to jail.
Dangerous sex offender John Angus (55) was caged for two years at Inverness Sheriff Court for breaching a court order to curtail his movements in Inverness.
And freed rapist David Penman (34), who lived in Nairn, breached a sex offenders prevention order which banned him from approaching women after an early release from prison and was recalled to serve the rest of his sentence in custody until 2010.
This week, Jim Ferguson praised the HNG for continuing to chase the figures and suggested the goalposts could have been moved this year, making the statistics more difficult to understand.
“I think it is in the general population’s interest to know if there are sex offenders moving into the area, while it is also important that no harm comes to the offender from people who may want to take things into their own hands,” he said.
“Nevertheless, the public has the right to more information about this.”
Linda Dorward, vice-chair of the Northern Community Justice Authority’s strategic oversight group, said its report provided clear evidence that it has the appropriate structures and measures in place to identify, assess and manage the risks posed by serious and violent offenders.
She rejected claims that this year’s figures, overseen by the Scottish Government, gave a false picture and were difficult to compare to last year’s due to the change in how they were reported.
“It does not make a difference because all the regions are measuring these in the same way,” she added.
o.bell@highland-news.co.uk
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Time to get tough on mindless vandals
Its unacceptable to see such distress caused to people who take a pride in their property and who seem to be getting plagued by acts of vandalism. Of course its not the Police who we should be blaming as they are doing a great job overall. Its the courts and the pathetic weak justice system under this present SNP Administration and until stiffer sentances and proper deterents are put in place we will see this kind of problem growing worse.
Jim Ferguson
CALLS for tougher punishments for vandals who cause blight their communities have been made following a spate of attacks on Hallowe’en.
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At least three homes, one car, a garage and garden walls had yellow paint thrown on them in Balnakyle Road, Lochardil, overnight on Saturday.
Jim Ferguson, chairman of Inverness’s crime prevention panel, believes communities must be on their guard.
“We are once again witnessing acts by people who think they can get away with basic lawlessness,” he said. “The vast majority of people are sick to death of this kind of behaviour.
“What we really need is strong measures to thoroughly punish the perpetrators of damage and vandalism and, until we can find the stomach and will to do that, we are going to see more and more incidents happening across the region and it’s unfair on hardworking, decent people who have mindless thugs wrecking their property.”
Hard labour for older culprits and fines for the parents of younger vandals have been suggested by Mr Ferguson, who is also chairman of the Highlands and Islands branch of Crimestoppers – an agency which he believes could be key in catching these criminals.
“Crimestoppers offers anonymity to those with information,” he said. “But people are scared of what is being done and the problem is that there is no deterrent.
“The only way we are really going to stop these people is to make them too frightened to actually commit such crimes and at the moment they are not, which is the whole crux of the matter.
“They are basically giving two-fingers to the entire system and the community because they know they are going to get away with it and until we actually knuckle down and take robust action we are not going to get far.”
One of the victims of Saturday’s night vandalism in Lochardil was retired policeman Colin Sutherland, who was away when the paint was thrown at his window and garden wall.
“This is not an isolated Hallowe’en incident,” he declared.
“There has been other incidents. They covered the bollard in paint two or three weeks ago.”
The street bollard which was smothered in green paint. Bobby Nelson
He explained neighbours on both sides of the street had suffered similar vandalism and complained of underage drinking in the area.
“We are suffering intolerable disturbance here and over the years we have been phoning the police and getting very little or minimal response, so much so I have already written to my councillor and intend to write to my MP because it is not good enough,” continued Mr Sutherland, who praised Highland Council staff for cleaning the paint from his window last Sunday.
“The neighbours are equally incandescent with the police response over the last few years to repeated complaints of disturbance, annoyance and vandalism.”
Other vandalism on Hallowe’en included a car windscreen being broken in Ardconnel Terrace overnight and a wing mirror being ripped off a vehicle in Hill Street.
The attacks add to a series of worrying incidents over the past month including 15 cars being damaged in Hilton, paint stripper being thrown over three vehicles at Highland MOTS in Seafield Road and a £1300 window at the new £10.5 million Highland Archive and Registration Centre near Bught Park being smashed.
Inverness police are appealing for information on any of the incidents, particularly the Balnakyle Road vandalism.
“Those responsible may well have been covered in paint,” said a Northern Constabulary spokeswoman.
Anyone with information about these crimes should contact Inverness police on 01463 715555 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
andrew.dixon@inverness-courier.co.uk
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