A Greater Manchester police officer has been accused of ‘lying’ after he told colleagues a man filming the Barton Moss protest had admitted to drinking – despite video evidence contradicting his claim.
Dr Steven Peers was arrested after refusing to submit to a roadside breath test in January.
The video footage shows a GMP officer moving Dr Peers away from an area in which an arrest was taking place.
As Dr Peers was being ushered away the officer accused him of drinking and driving to the controversial fracking site.
Dr Peers is clearly shown in the video denying having consumed any alcohol and that he had only had ‘a cup of tea’.
However, the officer says ‘you’ve just said to me you’ve had two drinks’.
He later tells fellow officers that Dr Peers had ‘admitted to having a drink’ despite him saying that he had only had tea.
Speaking to MM Dr Peers said: “This incident came after 2 months of me filming police brutality towards the thoroughly peaceful protest against fracking on Barton Moss.
“I would describe the police activity throughout the protest as extremely violent.
“As a basic Human Right, the police attitude has to change. They should be there to help the public not the Corporations damaging the environment for profit.”
Greater Manchester police have said that there are a number of videos that question the actions of officers at the protest site and that any formal complaint will be looked at.
Dr Peers told MM that he made a complaint at Swinton Police Station.
Chief Superintendent Mark Roberts said: “Greater Manchester Police have received a complaint about this video which officers from the Professional Standards Branch are investigating.
“The CPS subsequently reviewed this and decided to take no further action.”
Image courtesy of steve spy via you tube, with thanks
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