Plebgate Libel Verdict

[Peter Pedant]

How exciting

Judge giving both sides hell - Mitchell already has a huge bill someone has to pay as there is a previous judgement saying as they [Mitchell's side] had not fulfilled court file-by-dates, they couldnt charge fees


Judge calling two officers' evidence 'true' - well there is a surprise

so 15 20 as the Beeb hack says - it si not looking good for Andrew Mitchell

[Jomlett]

"I'm satisfied that Mitchell did speak the words attributed to him including the politically toxic words" says Judge

[Jomlett]

Little reaction from Mitchell. He looked stunned and confused. Ten minute break.

[Peter Pedant]

15 26 Mitchell loses !



how much ? two or three days in court with libel lawyers....
250 k on each side ?

[ChillDoubt]

Strange verdict, given all the other 'evidence' supplied by other Met officers who have subsequently lost their jobs/been jailed.
For me the wider implication is still the behaviour of officers from the Police, including those from Mitchell's constituency who are I believe under investigation:

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/plebgate-three-police-federation-officials-investigated-by-ippc-over-andrew-mitchell-row-1472922

[Peter Pedant]

Has anyone been in court ?

the judge blaaarps - '... and I find as a fact...'

and you think - that is cr+p - I was there and that is NOT what happened

[Jomlett]

Police federation estimates: £million +

[Jomlett]

Police federation estimates: £1million +

[sandyRoe]

The judge is giving more weight to the words of constables than to those of a former military officer, a man of high standing in the world of politics, and an undoubted gentleman?
Incredible.

[Jomlett]

Nick Robinson ✔ @bbcnickrobinson

Mitchell loses plebgate case. Was an argument about one word worth a career, a reputation and a fortune?

[Peter Pedant]

So £ 2 million as the loser picks up the tab

Time to muse about George Carman QC decd - you only sue in libel if you have done it. That was in connection with Gillian Taylforth whose case was scuppered by an incriminating viddie half way thro'

[Jomlett]

Judge back in Court 13. Browne QC rises for Rowland, and says he seeks damages to be assessed & injunction v Mitchell

[Peter Pedant]

Judge believes one of the officers fired for misconduct -
would that be grounds for an appeal on her behalf ?

I thought it might have been all the dishonest cops had been dismissed so the only ones left, he thought were telling the truth

[ChillDoubt]

And yet, the Judge has said that Toby Rowland was incorrect when Rowland claimed that members of the public nearby were shocked, when obviously they weren't(Judges words).
One officer jailed, another lost her job and her texts about 'bringing down the government' were brought to light in the trial.
Strange ruling indeed.

[Jomlett]

Judge interjects that there were false statement by PCs, just not any of those involved in this trial.

[Quizmonster]

Absolutely brilliant! I for one never doubted that Mitchell used the words he was accused of using, especially the 'pleb' one. There are a few in the AB News category who are going to have a lot of "word-eating" of their own to do now!

[Jomlett]

Judge says Weatherley's notes provide "powerful support" for Rowland's account

Judge finds 2nd PC at the gates - Tupman - to be a "truthful witness" as well. His evidence suggests "lack of collusion"

[ChillDoubt]

Absolutely brilliant! I for one never doubted that Mitchell used the words he was accused of using, especially the 'pleb' one. There are a few in the AB News category who are going to have a lot of "word-eating" of their own to do now!
----------------
Not sure who that's aimed at. I've never really had an opinion on whether he said it or not(balance of probability being an ex Army Officer he probably did), my concern has been more at the behaviour of and lengths to which they have gone of other Metropolitan Police Officers, which I've found to be a far greater issue.

[Jomlett]

There has also been some discussion about costs, which run to around £1m. Desmond Browne and Gavin Millar said Mitchell should pay £200,000 within 14 days. But it is getting very technical

Judge: Mitchell to have 14 days to formulate undertaking to Rowland & court; 14 days too to agree next steps if not resolved

Mitchell disappointed, deserves time to consider. 14 days & hearing if necessary in new year!

The judge is now putting off the conclusion of the case for 14 days.

[Quizmonster]

CD, those at whom it is aimed will doubtless recognise themselves...if the cap fits and all that.
I'm not disputing that there are elements among the Met who have much to answer for in this matter and some are already doing just that. I was, however, convinced that the Minister was far from the put-upon innocent he pretended to be.
I couldn't help comparing him with another Tory ex-minister, David Mellor, who hit the news only the other day, expressing the same sort of contempt for ordinary people. "You're a cabbie and I'm a QC!" isn't so very different from "I'm a Cabinet Minister and you're a pleb!"