Parking officer ‘clamped police cars protecting Queen’

Gareth Evans pleads not guilty to obstructing police on duty during Queen’s private visit to Portsmouth last week A man has pleaded not guilty to charges relating to the clamping of two unmarked police cars as officers allegedly sat inside carrying out security duties during a visit by the Queen. The incident happened as the monarch made an unannounced visit to Portsmouth to have lunch on a luxury yacht on 25 May. The officers were allegedly sitting in unmarked cars at the Gunwharf Quays marina retail complex when the vehicles were targeted. Gareth Andrews, 37, of Privett Road, Fareham, was arrested and charged with wilfully obstructing a police constable in the execution of his duty. He was also charged with contravening the Private Security Industry Act by not displaying the appropriate licensing badge. Andrews, wearing his Shoal Enforcement uniform, pleaded not guilty to both charges at Portsmouth magistrates court, and the case was adjourned for trial. Bill Charlton, defending, told the court: “There was an initial exchange between my client and the officer – he said the officer declined to show him any kind of identity. “As he was on the phone to his superior, the officer grabbed his earpiece, produced his warrant card and arrested him.” District judge Anthony Calloway set a trial date of 19 August and released Andrews on unconditional bail. Speaking outside the court, Charlton said: “As far as Mr Andrews is concerned, the vehicles were illegally parked. “He had clamped one and was in the process of clamping the second when an officer in plain clothes turned up and challenged him. Mr Andrews says they were not in the cars at the time. “Mr Andrews asked for his ID, which the officer allegedly declined to provide. He phoned his superior and, while that telephone conversation was taking place, the officer produced his warrant card and Mr Andrews was arrested.” Shoppers at Gunwharf Quays were taken by surprise when word spread that the Queen had arrived, and a small crowd gathered to greet her. It is understood the monarch had arranged to have lunch with NCP car parks boss, Sir Donald Gosling, on board his yacht, Leander. She arrived in Southsea by helicopter and was taken to Gunwharf Quays in a Range Rover. Wearing a pink coat and headscarf, the Queen waved to the crowds before going aboard the 75-metre (245ft) yacht. A spokeswoman for Buckingham Palace said she could not confirm details because the visit was a “private engagement”. The Queen visited Gunwharf Quays as part of her golden jubilee tour in 2002. Police The Queen Monarchy guardian.co.uk

Posted by on June 3, 2011. Filed under News, Politics, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.