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Caught out by the law

If there’s anything worse for a journalist than a policeman without a sense of humour – it can only be a policeman WITH a sense of humour.

Picture the scene: A “north Midlands” newsroom (sorry to be vague, but it protects the gullible).

Enter (stage left) the local PC who contributes a regular crime update column.

PC (in serious mode): “Good story for you today. We’re having a real problem with a new drugs craze among local youngsters”

Reporter (sensing the possibility of something more interesting than a stolen car radio): “Really?”

PC: “Yes. These kids are getting hold of Ecstacy tablets and crushing them up into powder…”

Reporter (head down and scribbling in notebook): “Right…”

PC: “Then they are mixing them in water to make a solution…”

Reporter (scribbling furiously): “Ah-ha…”

PC: “…and then they are injecting it into their gums.”

Reporter (now visualising a front page exclusive byline): “My God!”

PC: (reeling him in): “We’re calling it ‘E by gum’.”

Reporter continues to scribble as rest of the newsroom falls about laughing.

We’re told it was several minutes before he realised he’d been “had”.

If you’ve ever fallen victim to a prank by someone who should have known better, ring Patrick Astill, on 01332 595597, or e-mail him here.

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