Kentish Express Ashford & District
Police dismiss majority of tycoon’s complaints
Millionaire gets letter denying serious claims
Police investigators have dismissed the majority of complaints made by a property tycoon about his assault trial – including allegations an officer perjured himself by lying in court.
Millionaire Fergus Wilson lodged a formal complaint with Kent Police after he was found guilty last year of hitting estate agent Daniel Wells.
The force’s investigation shows the majority of Mr Wilson’s serious claims were dismissed.
But some issues were upheld as misconduct – including when an officer lost his notes.
In a letter sent to Mr Wilson, Det Ch Insp Eddie Fox, who led the review, said there was “no evidence the officer lied to the court”.
Mr Fox’s report added: “This took place in front of a very senior Crown Court judge and I have no doubt she would have very quickly identified this were it the case.
“I conclude this does not amount to misconduct.”
Mr Fox said the officer had not committed perjury and nothing i n Mr Wilson’s communications warranted a referral to the Crown Prosecution Service.
Mr Wilson also accused the police officer and a member of the public of colluding, but the report pointed out the decision to charge was made solely on available evidence and “endorsed by both courts”.
The report also found no evidence the officer destroyed his notes, but added: “They cannot be found and are not recorded on the relevant document.
“One can only conclude the officer lost them. This is unacceptable and I consider this failure amounts to misconduct.”
The report said management action would be an appropriate sanction rather than discipline proceedings.
Mr Fox also found the fact the former teacher was made to travel from his Boughton Monchelsea home to Folke- stone Magistrates’ Court for his trial, despite telling police he was unwell, amounted to misconduct.
He said other options should have been considered.
Again, Mr Fox found the misconduct was “not so serious as to merit disciplinary proceedings”.
Other accusations Mr Wilson was a victim of entrapment and that police failed to examine CCTV in the area were not upheld.
Not satisfied with the outcome, the ex-boxer, of Peen Lane, has asked the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) to investigate.
Kent Police said theywere unable to comment as the case had been referred to the IPCC.