P.C. STEVEN GUSCOTT

That this House views with concern the award of ú50 compensation by magistrates to a youth who was subject to action taken by Police Constable Steven Guscott who experienced extreme provocation in the course of doing his duty of protecting elderly pensioners; recognises that whilst it is not permitted for police officers to slap a young peron in today's society nevertheless considers that the requirement to pay compensation appears to tip the balance of justice in favour of the offender and sends entirely the wrong message to youngsters who misbehave, openly defy the police and cause misery to law-abiding citizens; and calls upon the magistracy to have appropriate regard for the difficult job performed by dedicated officers when considering such cases, and to exercise their discretion in such a way that will command wide public support. (Relevant registered interest declared).