Bodyguard to sue police-UK-

RonanRaver

Bodyguard to sue police

Amanda Killelea
14/ 4/2008

A BODYGUARD is suing the police after they raided his house over claims he had a stolen military police car.

Paul Hughes' company Benchmark PA provides chauffeurs and security for A-list stars - including David and Victoria Beckham.

He bought an ex-Ministry of Defence police car at auction two weeks ago to convert into a security patrol vehicle.

The car had been on his drive in Littlebrook Road, Sale, since he bought it, waiting until he had a chance to remove the livery. But police raided his home on Tuesday and impounded the vehicle.

Mr Hughes explained: "I was working for Aled Jones in Blackpool when my neighbour called me to say loads of police were breaking into my house.

"When I spoke to the police they said they were investigating a stolen police car. I explained that I bought the car legitimately and had all the paperwork, but they still took the car.

"They have left my house in a right mess. They have smashed down the front door, tipped drawers out and pulled up carpets. I am furious."

He says his insurance company reckons the cost of repairing the damage is around £5,000.

"I have spoken to my solicitor and he has advised me to take legal action," he added.

Police removed the car, as well as some shotgun cartridges and paintballing equipment from Mr Hughes's house, which he says are perfectly legal.

Mr Hughes regularly provides drivers and security for the Beckhams, footballers Gary and Phil Neville and opera singer Russell Watson.

He has contacted his MP Graham Brady to complain about his treatment.

His solicitor Keith Dyson said: "The police have done an enormous amount of damage. In smashing down the door they have taken away some of the brickwork.

"They seem to think that Paul was in possession of a stolen police vehicle. But what seems odd to me is that this car was parked in full view on Paul's drive.

"If you did have a stolen police car, and you knew you shouldn't have it, surely you would hide it away? It just seems the police have been very heavy-handed.

"They have got a warrant to search Paul's property and done this damage, but if he had been at home he would have happily let them in."

Greater Manchester Police say they got a warrant to search the house under the Theft Act and carried out the search around midday.

A GMP statement says: "During the warrant, a car, believed to be an ex-military police vehicle, was seized.

"Officers also found a number of shotgun cartridges inside the house, which were also seized.

"The warrant was granted as part of an ongoing investigation, and the items seized will be examined. Inquiries are ongoing."


Bodyguard to sue police - News - Manchester Evening News

polarserv international

Sounds like the Guy was trying to be a bit flash by leaving a marked car in the drive. GMP seem to have acted a bit hastily on this one, but thats the GMP all over.

yorkie030

Great story thanks RonanRaver!

kennyjulie1

GMP, have acted within the confines of the warrant, if the information laid before the magistrate was true then ,he hasn`t got a leg to stand on. In my experience theirs always two sides to every story, and search warrants are not garnted or executed on a whim,try intelligence gathereing prior to this .We will see the outcome, but guess my moneys on GMP

No, the other North!

Top marks to the searchers for actually spotting it, though. We've had worse.

polarserv international

Surely a routine police enquiry would have sufficed, unless the guy in question has got a 'pedigree'. But at the end of the day GMP are known for being a little over zealous, are they not?

Drug Raid Cops Smash The Wrong Door In

Updated:08:16, Thursday April 17, 2008

Police officers carrying out drugs raids had to apologise to an innocent woman after smashing their way into her house by mistake.

Cops raided wrong house

Officers in Bolton were carrying out the dawn raids as part of an operation to tackle a drug ring when they accidentally targeted the house of a woman in her 50s.
Seven officers dressed in riot gear piled through the front window after one of them had smashed through it with a hammer on Wednesday morning.
They shouted: "Police!" as they made their way into the house, but quickly realised they were in the wrong place.

Drug Raid Police Smash Their Way Into Wrong House |Sky News|UK News

hippy

Oh I dont know.. My cousin is a DCI with GMP and seems to act 'on a whim' fairly often.. Every long serving detective knows 'friendly' mags....