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Newspaper under fire for police tribunal stance

A South West daily has sparked controversy over its coverage of a police officer’s tribunal verdict – a year after it exposed his internet comments condoning violence against suspects.

The Express and Echo reported last year that a Devon and Cornwall Police constable had posted comments on a Facebook page below some video footage of suspects being restrained in a Devon police station.

They contained several swear words and encouraged officers to “not be soft” on those who stepped out of line.

After being suspended on full pay for a year, Pc Nestor Costa was fined £250 last week after he was found guilty of conduct likely to bring the force into disrepute. No criminal charges were brought against the constable.

The Express and Echo carried a front page splash under the headline ‘A Cop Out?’ with a scathing comment piece from editor Marc Astley.

He said: “Many readers will find it surprising that after being found guilty of actions likely to bring Devon & Cornwall Police into disrepute, an officer is fined just three days wages.

“What will particularly stick in the craw on this occasion is the fact that the gentleman in question has been suspended on full pay for a year.

“No doubt Chief Constable Stephen Otter and his senior team have rules and regulations to abide by…..that does not make the final outcome any the less surprising as far as this newspaper is concerned.

“Disgusting language, the apparent promotion of violence and all this from someone we expect to uphold law and order.

“But what makes this even worse is that it was posted on one of the world’s most popular social networking sites and therefore very much in the public domain.

“We would argue a certain amount public confidence will have been lost as a result of this sorry episode.”

Marc added: “Although I absolutely stand by the story and my editorial, I’ve also agreed to go out on patrol with the police one night after a couple of PC Costa’s colleagues threw down the gauntlet.”

The editorial has whipped up a barrage of comments from readers, some extremely cutting about the Echo’s stance.

One wrote: “This is the first time I have ever been compelled to write to any newspaper but my disgust at Cop-out has forced me to do so.

“It is apparent from the majority of the comments posted on the Express & Echo website that Pc Costa has the support of the Exeter community – but apparently not the newspaper that supposedly serves the same community.

“I do not condone what Pc Costa did, but feel that the way in which it has been dealt with by the Echo is despicable and shames the persons responsible.”

However, some readers have come out in support of the Northcliffe title.

One said: “Echo editor Marc Astley is quite right in his condemnation of the light punishment.

“Disgusting language and the glorification of violence on the net is bad enough when it is posted by the general public, but it is appalling when it is posted by a police officer who is sworn to uphold the law.”

Comments

Abi Ralls (24/11/2008 15:36:36)
The fine is pitiful & I fully support the Express & Echo’s condemnation of this punishment. It is worrying enough that someone who is meant to uphold the law holds such views in private, but the arrogance or stupidity that it takes to announce them in the public domain, considering his role, is breathtaking: neither of those qualities are desirable for someone in his position. Even more worrying, small amount fined implies an acceptance of his attitudes and comments by the police hierarchy. This will not instill public confidence in the police.

Abi Ralls (24/11/2008 15:36:43)
The fine is pitiful & I fully support the Express & Echo’s condemnation of this punishment. It is worrying enough that someone who is meant to uphold the law holds such views in private, but the arrogance or stupidity that it takes to announce them in the public domain, considering his role, is breathtaking: neither of those qualities are desirable for someone in his position. Even more worrying, small amount fined implies an acceptance of his attitudes and comments by the police hierarchy. This will not instill public confidence in the police.