Couple felt 'intimidated' by police
A RETIRED couple from Croyde say they felt intimidated after being stopped by the police.
Ray and Jean Mitchell were stopped in Saunton in the early hours of last Wednesday after being tailed by a patrol car from Barnstaple.
Mr Mitchell, 76, passed an alcohol breath test and the couple — who had been returning home from Bristol Airport after a holiday in Tenerife — were allowed to continue their journey.
Mrs Mitchell, 74, said the police officers mentioned their silver Mercedes E-class car had failed to stop on a white line.
She said: "We found the tactics used very intimidating, especially considering we are an elderly couple.
"They asked my husband if he had been drinking but he replied that he would never drink and drive."
Barnstaple inspector Toby Davies said he was unable to comment on this specific incident.
But he said: "We will conduct patrols and stop vehicles when officers suspect a person to have been drinking alcohol or if they have committed a road traffic offence, which is what appears to have happened in this case.
"If they are unhappy with the way they have been dealt with by an officer or felt intimidated by the situation then we advise they speak to a local officer or make an official complaint."
4 Comments
by Anon, Braunton
Thursday, March 18 2010, 12:52PM
“Im not targeting elderly drivers, but some of the driving I see in Braunton by pensioners is apalling, and does appear that they are drunk!”
by Steve, Braunton
Monday, March 15 2010, 1:20PM
“Keith, you obviously don't walk around Braunton much. There are always police about. On friday evening i noticed 2 walking about and a car going around as well.”
by Oldun, UK
Monday, March 15 2010, 8:58AM
“Why should a elderly couple get treated differently than a couple of teenagers who fail to stop at a white line?”
by Keith ,, braunton
Thursday, March 11 2010, 1:31PM
“"If they are unhappy with the way they have been dealt with by an officer or felt intimidated by the situation then we advise they speak to a local officer or make an official complaint."
Dont bother, They will never admit they were intimidating. Unfortunately that is all they can do nowadays. Stop motorist. Better if they were actually doing some work on the streets of Braunton. Oh I forgot no money in that!”