Judge rules Mitchell ‘probably did call officer a pleb’

Former government Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell probably did call a police officer a ‘pleb’ in Downing Street in 2012, the High Court has ruled.

Mr Justice Mitting ordered Mr Mitchell to pay interim costs of £300,000 following the ruling last week after the Conservative MP brought a case for libel against News Group Newspapers over a story that appeared in The Sun in September 2012. He is also liable for legal costs believed to be more than £1 million.

The article claimed that Mr Mitchell called PC Toby Rowland a pleb during an altercation with police officers at Downing Street in September 2012 after he was refused entry through the main gate.

During the trial, Mr Mitchell told the court that he was “stitched up” and said he believed his complaints about the behaviour of some officers at Downing Street had made him a marked man.

He acknowledged that he had used bad language, but maintained he had not used the “toxic” word pleb.

Responding to the verdict, Mr Mitchell said: “Obviously I am bitterly disappointed by the result of the judgment.

“This has been a miserable two years but we now need to bring this matter to a close and move on with our lives.”

In a statement, PC Rowland said: “Even before this trial began, I had already been cleared of any wrongdoing by four extensive and wide-reaching investigations, including a criminal one.

“I am delighted that here again my innocence, integrity and reputation as a police officer has been recognised. The pain me and my family have been through is indescribable and it is particularly saddening that all this happened because I was following procedure and simply doing my job without fear or favour.

“I also recognise how difficult it must have been for Mr Mitchell`s family and I hope now that a line can be drawn and everyone can be left in peace.”

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) also welcomed the ruling.

PFEW chair Steve White said: “We are pleased that the judge has ruled in PC Toby Rowland’s favour. Toby’s name has been cleared and his integrity restored. “Toby has conducted himself with dignity and professionalism in relation to this incident and subsequent inquiries and legal cases. It is important that this incident is now brought to a close to allow Toby and his family to look to the future.”