Parking officer 'clamped police cars protecting Queen'

[super jumbe]

Gareth Andrews is alleged to have clamped unmarked police cars at the Gunwharf Quays complex in Portsmouth. Photograph: Chris Ison/PA

A man has pleaded not guilty to charges relating to the clamping of two unmarked police cars as officers allegedly sat inside carrying out security duties during a visit by the Queen.
The incident happened as the monarch made an unannounced visit to Portsmouth to have lunch on a luxury yacht on 25 May.

The officers were allegedly sitting in unmarked cars at the Gunwharf Quays marina retail complex when the vehicles were targeted.



Gareth Andrews, 37, of Privett Road, Fareham, was arrested and charged with wilfully obstructing a police constable in the execution of his duty. He was also charged with contravening the Private Security Industry Act by not displaying the appropriate licensing badge.

Andrews, wearing his Shoal Enforcement uniform, pleaded not guilty to both charges at Portsmouth magistrates court, and the case was adjourned for trial.

Bill Charlton, defending, told the court: "There was an initial exchange between my client and the officer ? he said the officer declined to show him any kind of identity.

"As he was on the phone to his superior, the officer grabbed his earpiece, produced his warrant card and arrested him."
District judge Anthony Calloway set a trial date of 19 August and released Andrews on unconditional bail.

Speaking outside the court, Charlton said: "As far as Mr Andrews is concerned, the vehicles were illegally parked.
"He had clamped one and was in the process of clamping the second when an officer in plain clothes turned up and challenged him. Mr Andrews says they were not in the cars at the time.

"Mr Andrews asked for his ID, which the officer allegedly declined to provide. He phoned his superior and, while that telephone conversation was taking place, the officer produced his warrant card and Mr Andrews was arrested."

[Meat-Head]

yes the guy was 'doing his job' - now, the the driver of the car has shown his ID and said 'were the fuzz, now ~~~~ off' fine - hope this guy (clamper) wins the case!

[Snowy79]

I'd like to hear the whole story about why they were parked where they were. Sure they were on duty to protect one of our tax burdens but did they have to park where they did. It's pretty much telling any potential terrorist that if the Queens about and a car is illegaly parked without getting a ticket those using the car are her protection party.

[chalky 4]

My god, I never thought the day would dawn, when I would be on a wheel clampers side.

[super jumbe]

If the Authorities had to park there cars in the car park, they would had the permission from the parking attendance in advance, as far as I know that the police arresting the person doing his job were well out side the law. No one is above the law and they should not have been prosecuted the clamper.

[nara]

Don't forget that the bulk of that news item is a statement by the defence lawyer. You're really only getting one side of the story.

It's interesting to note that he's being charged with not displaying the appropriate licencing badge. This is something that the courts are coming down on hard in an attempt to get rid of dodgy clampers.

If you Google "Shoal Enforcement" you'll find some horror stories.

[Meat-Head]

If the Authorities had to park there cars in the car park, they would had the permission from the parking attendance in advance, as far as I know that the police arresting the person doing his job were well out side the law. No one is above the law and they should not have been prosecuted the clamper.

would have been worth, closing the gate and ~~~~ing off

[super jumbe]

(Bill Charlton, defending, told the court: "There was an initial exchange between my client and the officer ? he said the officer declined to show him any kind of identity)

Police officers also failed to produce there identity if you read clearly, end of the day this was the private property, I will not let them park on my drive way if they intent to use force.

[nara]

Police officers also failed to produce there identity if you read clearly

Allegedly. This is an ongoing court case. The facts have yet to be established.

[super jumbe]

I will give you 1 to 10 Judge is going to the officers favour unless they have the video evidence, look win or no win end of the day the law has got to get the owners permission otherwise there will be no contract, no warrants, etc.

[johnboy1974]

If the cops failed to provide proof that they were cops(as alleged) then the clamper had every right to go ahead with his duties.