Taxi Driver Online

MP's son will not face charge of assault



The policeman son of Northampton South MP Brian Binley will not be prosecuted over an alleged assault on a taxi driver.

Earlier this week, the Chron revealed Pc Matthew Binley had been removed from public duties after a complaint had been made that he was involved in a late-night scuffle with a cabbie.

But last night, Northamptonshire Police confirmed the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had said it would not take the case any further.

A spokesman for the authority said: "We have now been advised by the Crown Prosecution Service that based on their assessment of the evidence it has been determined there should be no prosecution of this police officer.

"The file has now been passed to the head of our Professional Standards Department to determine what, if any, internal disciplinary action should be taken.

"The police constable remains on restricted duties while this decision is made."

It was alleged the 24-year-old, who joined the police in June 2007 after previously serving as a special constable, was involved in a late night "scuffle" with a taxi driver following a night out in Northampton during October.

Brian Binley said he was never in any doubt the charges would be dropped.

He said: "I'm delighted. I know my son and I know he's a good boy.

"I knew he would not be involved in something of that nature and I'm just delighted the CPS have made this decision.

"It's been a worrying incident, but we're all delighted it's now over."

Months before the alleged incident, Mr Binley had used his position in the House of Commons to speak up for taxi drivers.

During a special debate in May, the Conservative MP called on the Government to pay more attention to taxi driver safety.

His plea came after statistics were published revealing there are 60 to 70 violent attacks against taxi drivers in Northampton every year.

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

I'd like to know the driver's side of the story.

Me too? Maybe we can get a TDO exclusive?

Regards

JD

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