Cabbie, 69, complains of the strong arm of the law
A CABBIE was left with torn hand ligaments after being arrested by police.
Roy Salter, 69, claims police were too rough when arresting him for using a mobile phone while driving.
Mr Salter says he was bent over the wall of St Mary’s Church, in Benfleet High Road, by officers.
He was later taken to Southend Hospital where doctors found he had torn the ligaments in his hand.
Mr Salter is now using a splint and only working a few hours a day, because of the discomfort.
The arrest happened after Mr Salter picked up a fare at Benfleet railway station.
He was pulled over by officers for using his mobile phone behind the wheel and told he would face points on his licence.
Mr Salter claims he held up his hands to accept the penalty, but then returned to his car to call for another taxi to pick up his fare.
It was then officers cuffed him – he believes they were worried he would drive off. But he feels they were too rough.
He said: “I’ve had two heart attacks and have high blood pressure. I didn’t need it.”
Mr Salter, of Warwick Drive, Canvey, said he was taken into custody but then transferred to Southend Hospital, where he spent two days.
He added: “I’ve never in my life had anything to do with the police. We always help the police out if we can, they tell us someone is missing and ask us to keep our eye out, or if there’s a car missing we keep our eye out for that. There’s 250 cars in Castle Point and we try to help.
“But I’ve got to the point where no more.”
Mr Salter, who was arrested on January 18, has written to the professional standards department of Essex Police, outlining his concerns.
An Essex Police spokesman said: “A complaint has been received and this is being investigated. We can’t comment further at this time.”
Mr Salter has been reported for traffic offences
source:
http://www.southendstandard.co.uk/news/southend/
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