PC fights on in wrangle with authorities

7:45am Tuesday 13th May 2008

A serving Bradford police constable has called for a fresh investigation into allegations that his mail was tampered with ahead of an employment tribunal against the West Yorkshire force.

An investigation has dismissed the claims made by PC Peter Richmond, who works in the Bradford south division, that pressure was put on police to open a letter from his solicitor addressed to his home in Skipton.

It was delivered, apparently damaged, just days before his unsuccessful tribunal hearing for race discrimination against West Yorkshire Police.

Following the tribunal, PC Richmond said he believed West Yorkshire Police had put pressure on North Yorkshire Police - the force responsible for his home town - to open the letter.

He claimed his mail had been criminally damaged and the crime not been properly investigated. He alleged that this had been done to protect West Yorkshire Police's Professional Standards Department, which he believes is responsible for opening his mail.

However, his claims have been dismissed following an investigation by North Yorkshire Police and Royal Mail's Investigations Department.

A letter to Mr Richmond from North Yorkshire Police said there was no evidence of a crime and that the letter had been delivered in a sealed condition. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) also said no evidence supported the allegation that the letter was opened by West Yorkshire Police.

However, PC Richmond, 45, claims that a response from Royal Mail appears to admit it had been and he wants a new investigation into who came into contact with the mail before it was damaged.

He said: "I have always maintained that North Yorkshire Police could carry out very simple forensic testing, which either would support or negate my claims and I can't understand why they will not do so."

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman confirmed that its own investigation had been carried out and was then subject to an appeal to the Independent Police Complaints Commission. The appeal was not upheld.

A hearing is set to be held on June 18 to decide whether PC Richmond can go ahead with another tribunal against West Yorkshire Police.

e-mail: marc.meneaud@telegraphandargus.co.uk

Editor's choice