Grandad's £3k payout over wrongful arrest
A grandfather wrongly arrested for tax evasion says he could receive about £3,000 compensation.
Gordon Thrower, 63, was arrested by officers who thought they had got their man on February 15.
He was taken from his home in Ward Avenue, Bilton, and kept in a cell overnight at Queens Gardens police station, in Hull city centre.
The next day, he was transported to Leeds Crown Court, where he was accused of a tax evasion offence dating back to 1988.
However, it emerged a bench warrant had been issued for the arrest of Gordon Robert Thrower – not law-abiding grandfather-of-two Gordon Frederick Thrower.
Mr Thrower, who looks nothing like the accused on a passport photograph, shares the same age as the suspect.
Fortunately, a sharp-eyed judge noticed the mistake and released Mr Thrower.
Humberside Police has since apologised for the embarrassing mistake and Chief Superintendent Paul Davison has personally taken charge of an internal investigation.
As a result, Mr Thrower has withdrawn a formal complaint.
He said: "It is now in the hands of my lawyers and it is up to them now but I did withdraw the complaint.
"My lawyers said you would get £500 for being wrongly put in the cells initially but I spent 20 hours in there so I could get two to three thousand pounds.
"Of course I want some compensation for what I went through, but it is also important that the police ensure they receive the correct information from other forces.
"I really hope the police learn lessons so others don't have to go through what I had to."
Chief Supt Davison said: "I am working through the compensation details with Mr Thrower.
"What it has taught us is we need to ensure we have photographs of those we are going to arrest and double check all the information."
9 Comments
by Dink, Hull
Monday, March 15 2010, 12:42PM
“I fail to see why he ended up spending a whole night in the cells!
A simple look at his Passport/Pension Book/Birth Certificate etc. could have cleared this up immediately.
I understand that the police didn't do their jobs properly in this case, but I know if it was me I'd be getting them to confirm every little detail about me until they understood they'd got the wrong person! Did they not even ask him to confirm his full name at the police station?”
by Chris, USA formaly HULL
Monday, March 15 2010, 11:35AM
“I think he should get the money and it should be paid by the stupid officers that didn't do there jobs properly. The system doesnt work if you act now ask questions later. They need to do there job before arresting people, that includes at least looking at the last picture on file!”
by Billy, Hull
Monday, March 15 2010, 11:15AM
“Charlie, I wonder if you would feel the way you commented if yuo where arressted and dragged off to court for something you had not done.”
by Charlie, Hull
Monday, March 15 2010, 9:48AM
“Everyone makes mistakes- okay its a mistake that cost him a few hours of discomfort...I'm sure you've all made mistakes!! So Police officers make mistakes..their job is pressurised at the best of times!! You should try doing their job and then come back and tell us how easy it is and how you didn't make any mistakes- it was just a mis-judge of communications!!!”
by Charlie, Hull
Monday, March 15 2010, 9:47AM
“Everyone makes mistakes- okay its a mistake that cost him a few hours of discomfort...I'm sure you've all made mistakes!! So Police officers make mistakes..their job is pressurised at the best of times!! You should try doing their job and then come back and tell us how easy it is and how you didn't make any mistakes- it was just a mis-judge of communications!!!”
by oswald, hull
Monday, March 15 2010, 9:40AM
“Who pays for the thousands dished out in compo ?
WE DO !”
by Dave, Hull
Monday, March 15 2010, 9:16AM
“Why shouldn't he get it , Oswald. Don't you read the ridiculous payouts for people who have been offended by remarks about race, religion, weight and dozens of other things. Or the hundreds of thousands for breaking a fingernail.”
by oswald, hull
Monday, March 15 2010, 8:09AM
“at 3k a night can I be wrongly arrested once a month ?”
by Billy, Hull
Monday, March 15 2010, 7:59AM
“Gordon what she should be going for his for those who made the mistake being sacked not compensation as sacings will make other lazy coppers think twice about not doing there jobs correctly.”