Olympics
spectator with Parkinson's wants 'exoneration' after arrest
Mark
Worsfold, 54, says he was handcuffed by Surrey police officers 'for
not smiling' while watching men's cycling road race
8
August, 2012
A
man with Parkinson's disease who was arrested during the Olympic
men's cycling road race while sitting beside the route has said he
wants a "letter of exoneration" from Surrey police,
claiming their treatment of him was disproportionate.
Mark
Worsfold, 54, a former soldier and martial arts instructor, was
arrested on 28 July for a breach of the peace shortly before the
cyclists arrived in Redhouse Park, Leatherhead, where he had sat down
on a wall to watch the race. Officers from Surrey police restrained
and handcuffed him and took him to Reigate police station, saying his
behaviour had "caused concern".
"The
man was positioned close to a small group of protesters and based on
his manner, his state of dress and his proximity to the course,
officers made an arrest to prevent a possible breach of the peace,"
Surrey police said in a statement.
Worsfold,
whose experience was first reported by Private Eye, claims police
questioned him about his demeanour and why he had not been seen to be
visibly enjoying the event. Worsfold, who was diagnosed with
Parkinson's in 2010, suffers from muscle rigidity that affects his
face. He was released after two hours without charge or caution.
"It
could have been done better. I was arrested for not smiling. I have
Parkinson's," he said, adding that he realised the officers were
working long hours and trying to control the event properly, but they
had not, in his case, acted correctly. He said he did not want to
make further comment until he received a response from Surrey police.
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