Bassman62 Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 I think we have a bit of a schism here - there are those who think the way the police behaved towards Mr Tomlinson (striking him from behind while his hands were in his pockets) was acceptable and those who don't. I think it was unnaceptable, what about you Bassy? He should have left the area when told to do so instead he drunkenly ambled about obstructing the police in a riot situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
truman Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 He'd been ordered to leave a riot area by the police yet he continued to stroll around in a drunken stupour. Maybe you ought to go to the trial of the bobby and give your expert evidence? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halibut Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 He should have left the area when told to do so instead he drunkenly ambled about obstructing the police in a riot situation. Indeed, but was he presenting a threat to the officer that struck him? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassman62 Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Maybe you ought to go to the trial of the bobby and give your expert evidence?Not evidence but I've a right to an opinion just as Halibut has a right to his misguided opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halibut Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Not evidence but I've a right to an opinion just as Halibut has a right to his misguided opinion. If you can answer the question - 'was Mr Tomlinson presenting a threat to the officer?' and explain what you think that threat was, I'll happily concede that I'm misguided. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
truman Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Not evidence but I've a right to an opinion just as Halibut has a right to his misguided opinion. Well in that case I have seen the same evidence as you and I didn't figure the guy as any threat at all..he was walking away from them... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conrod Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Indeed, but was he presenting a threat to the officer that struck him?Unless we're stood in the boots of the officer on the ground at the time, we can't say. Tomlinson was obstructing them - that's an offence and it's plenty of reason to get physical with him. If somebody obstructs the Police, they should expect to be dealt with. He deliberately blocked their path and instead of moving clear when instructed, just sauntered as slowly and provocatively as he could, making it clear he was not going to willingly follow their instructions but continue to get in their way - he got what he asked for. In a riot situation, where the Police have to step up the game to keep crowds and awkward members of the public from getting carried away, a bit more physical control than usual is not just likely, but required. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halibut Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Unless we're stood in the boots of the officer on the ground at the time, we can't say. Absolute piffle. You've seen the video the same as I had. Tomlinson - aside from the fact that his back was to the officer and he had his hands in his pockets - was unfit, unwell, intoxicated and untrained. The officer had full protective gear, a baton, CS spray and handcuffs and was also stronger, taller and a great deal fitter and highly trained. Even if one accepts your point that Mr Tomlinson was obstructing the officer, there were a number of other means of dealing with that than striking him with a baton and pushing him to the ground were there not? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kadogo Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 The officer had full protective gear, a baton, CS spray and handcuffs and was also stronger, taller and a great deal fitter and highly trained. An excellent candidate for a transfer to West Belfast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conrod Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Absolute piffle. You've seen the video the same as I had. Tomlinson - aside from the fact that his back was to the officer and he had his hands in his pockets - was unfit, unwell, intoxicated and untrained. The officer had full protective gear, a baton, CS spray and handcuffs and was also stronger, taller and a great deal fitter and highly trained. Even if one accepts your point that Mr Tomlinson was obstructing the officer, there were a number of other means of dealing with that than striking him with a baton and pushing him to the ground were there not? Yes, and he'd ignored verbal instructions. Don't forget there was a huge riot going on - the Police aren't going to be all soft and fluffy under such circumstances, so if some fool gets in their way and deliberately won’t move, they need to act swiftly and decisively to shift him. Anybody who refuses legitmate Police instructions should have no opportunity to complain when they suffer the consequences. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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