Student nurse sues police over false arson accusations
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The scene of the spate of
mystery fires
A student nurse says his reputation has been ruined by police
who told his neighbours they thought he was starting fires at a
block of flats.
Jamie Parker, 32, has launched High Court action against the
Chief Constable claiming damages and an apology for the 'hurt and
distress' he has suffered.
The incidents happened last year when 11 small fires were
reported over a period of several months in the stairwell and bin
store of the flats in St Andrew's Close, Whitstable, where Mr
Parker lives with his wife, Hazel and three-year-old daughter.
Mr Parker, pictured left, urged the council to step up
security measures to stop non-residents getting into the building
and even organised a collection to buy fire extinguishers and an
alarm for the back door.
But when police began investigating, they arrested and
questioned him - although he was later released and never
charged.
Mr Parker said: "They claimed that I could be responsible
because I was in the building every time there was a fire.
"But I am here quite a lot because I'm studying and look after
my young daughter when my wife, who is also a nurse, is
working.
"There were others in the building at the time and we had
problems with people getting in through the back door. About the
same time a key and door entry fob also went missing as well."
Mr Parker said he overheard officers talking to neighbours
suggesting he was to blame.
He added: "There is no doubt that it has affected my
relationship with my neighbours and they are not as friendly as
they used to be and it's quite strained.
"I feel really bad and annoyed about it because they have
ruined my reputation and I have got my future career to think
of.
"Why on earth would I set fire to flats where I live with my
family and put them at risk?"
The High Court writ served by Mr Parker says his original
complaint was dealt with by Insp Gordon Etheridge at Canterbury
police station, who had accepted the comments were 'inappropriate
and insensitive'.
But Mr Parker said he was later told officers were given words
of advice, but did not think it went far enough. He then wrote to
the Chief Constable, Ian Learmonth asking for a meeting but claims
he did not get a reply.
Kent Police spokesman Lesley Miller said: "These matters are
currently being dealt with by the courts and therefore we cannot
comment any further at this time."
Friday, January 27 2012
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