Watching the Detectives.....................

Tuesday 10 May 2011

Court case dropped against obstruction-charge policeman


A police officer who allegedly fled after being stopped on suspicion of drink-driving in Greater Manchester will face no further court action.

Philip Roberts, 45, had been due to go on trial at Warrington Crown Court charged with obstructing an officer in the execution of duty.

But the CPS decided to drop the charge against the Greater Manchester Police officer after a review of the case.

Mr Roberts remains on restricted duties pending disciplinary proceedings.

The officer, who was off-duty, allegedly left his vehicle when he was stopped in Ryder Avenue, Altrincham, on 1 October.

After later handing himself in at a police station, Mr Roberts was subsequently charged with obstructing an officer and appeared before Warrington magistrates on 28 February.

Force discipline
 
A trial date was set for 6 May but the officer will face no further action because prosecutors felt it would not be in the public interest.

They told all parties of their decision last month, a spokeswoman said.

She added: "The CPS keeps cases under constant review and treats each case on its own merits.

"Prosecutors always take account of any change in circumstances that occurs as the case develops and, following liaison with Greater Manchester Police, we made the decision not to proceed.

"This is because the public interest factors in favour of a prosecution were not served following a re-review of the case."

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said the officer could still face action by the force.

"He remains on restricted duties pending the outcome of internal disciplinary measures," he added.

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