Bolton: Police brutality exposed

ON 20 October Alan Clough, a retired corporation gardener from Bury and Unison member, was due in Bolton Magistrates' Court charged with assaulting a police officer during the rally against the far right English Defence League in Bolton in March.

What the police didn't know when they charged him was that the local ITV team covering the event had video evidence which clearly showed Alan merely linking arms with other demonstrators and not hitting anyone. Instead he was hit with a baton, and being punched while on the ground by another officer.

People helping Alan to his feet are also seen being attacked by police. After seven hours in a cell, Alan's injuries at police hands required medical attention.

On seeing the video the police decided to drop all charges the day before the hearing. Police brutality will not now come to light.

Alan now faces a struggle to recover a four figure sum for legal fees as he was not entitled to legal aid. Frustrated but undeterred, Alan attended a Bolton Trades Council rally against cuts that same day, on the exact spot where he was wrongfully arrested seven months earlier.

Paul Gerrard, Bury NUT

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