A MAN with a heart condition spent 18 hours in a police cell after being arrested accused of dropping an apple core.
Keith Hirst, who is a full-time carer for his wife, was going to the chemists when he was approached by a police community support officer.
He was accused of dropping the apple – a charge he denied. The support officer then called for help and five policemen arrived within minutes.
Mr Hirst, 54, was taken into custody at Swinton police station after refusing to pay an on-the-spot fine and give his name. While in custody, his DNA and fingerprints were taken and he had to be seen twice by a doctor after complaining of dizziness and chest pains.
Mr Hirst, from Swinton, who has had heart surgery, said: “The way I was treated you would have thought I had robbed a bank. My family are law abiding people and I would help if I saw a gang of yobs attacking a police officer.
“But this kind of incident does not help in improving relations between the community and police. I suppose £50 for an on-the-spot fine is easy money for them.”
What’s your view?i live in pendlebury and every day i see rubbish thrown on the floor from people who could not care less over the environment the problem is a disgrace.But thr problem i have is when i get people on the phone to the police over crime and cannot get a response.!