Police officer 'will face charge over Plebgate'

 
25 November 2013
WEST END FINAL

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At least one police officer is set to be charged in connection with the Plegbate affair, it was claimed today.

The officer is one of eight people arrested and questioned following the row between then-Cabinet minister Andrew Mitchell and Downing Street protection officers.

Five officers were among those held, and are due to answer bail this week, when one is expected to be told he faces criminal charges within the next few days.

Other officers could face internal disciplinary proceedings, according to the Daily Mail.

The police investigation followed a 47-second argument in Downing Street in September last year over whether Mr Mitchell should have been permitted to ride his bicycle through the main gates. Officers claimed Mr Mitchell called them “plebs” when they refused to let him through the gate.

He resigned from his post as chief whip after the incident, admitting that he swore, but denying he said “plebs”.

CCTV footage later emerged that cast doubt over the police’s story, though it is understood the officer who spoke to Mr Mitchell stands by his version of events.

Mr Mitchell’s supporters have claimed he was the victim of a conspiracy by officers as part of a campaign against Government cuts. An email from a civilian witness backing the police account of events has also been called into question.

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