Mitchell PC did not know what 'Pleb' meant
THE Downing Street policeman in the “plebgate” row did not know what the word pleb meant when Tory MP Andrew Mitchell allegedly called him one, a court heard yesterday.
The court heard PC Toby Rowland didn't know what the word pleb meant when Mitchell allegedly said it
PC Toby Rowland said he did not know who Mr Mitchell was when he threatened to arrest him for swearing.
The pair had clashed after the MP was not allowed to cycle through the main gates of Downing Street.
No I didn’t. It’s not a term I’m used to
Giving evidence in a libel action against former chief whip Mr Mitchell at the High Court, PC Rowland said: “It’s been alleged that I treated him differently to another member of the public.
“I treated him exactly the same as anyone else. I am entitled to arrest him. I didn’t. I warned him about his behaviour. He took this on board and stopped swearing.”
Asked if he knew the word “pleb” at the time, the officer said: “No I didn’t. It’s not a term I’m used to.”
PC Rowland is suing Mr Mitchell over claims that he fabricated evidence. Mr Mitchell is suing The Sun newspaper over an article alleging he called police officers “plebs”.
The hearing continues today.