A police officer has been found not guilty of misconduct after he was accused of knowingly keeping an innocent businessman in custody following a prank call from a colleague.
The Arrest That Shouldn't Have Happened
PC James Martin, a specialist dog handler based in Newport on the Isle of Wight, was cleared of misconduct in a public office following a four-day trial at Salisbury Crown Court. The case centred on the arrest of Benjamin Churchill, a private security boss, who was taken into custody in front of his seven-year-old son.
The incident unfolded after PC Martin received what he believed was a threatening phone call. On December 30, PC Benjamin Magee, a colleague who had received an email from PC Martin about Mr Churchill, made a prank call pretending to be the security boss. During the call, PC Magee stated he had "heard he'd been chatting about him" and called PC Martin a 'p***k'.
Background Tensions and Immediate Fallout
The court heard that PC Martin had previous 'professional disagreements' with Mr Churchill dating back to December 10, when Mr Churchill had reported the officer for intimidating behaviour. Following this, PC Martin had sent an email to numerous colleagues expressing suspicions about Mr Churchill's potential involvement with drugs and suggesting they monitor him for any reports of using excessive force with nightclub clients.
Taking the prank call seriously, PC Martin immediately reported it as a threat to senior officers and changed his phone number the following day, believing Mr Churchill had his contact details.
The situation escalated dramatically the next day when Mr Churchill was arrested while playing draughts with his son. He described the experience as "very scary" for his child. He was detained for malicious communication and spent one hour and 40 minutes in custody, which he said felt like "forever".
Resolution and Aftermath
Mr Churchill was only released after PC Magee confessed to the prank, describing it as having gone "horribly wrong". PC Magee faced his own misconduct hearing last year and was ordered to issue a full and public apology to Mr Churchill.
Following the jury's not guilty verdict, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed PC Martin would remain on directed duties while any potential misconduct matters are considered. The force added that he would be given appropriate support to enable him to move forward from the incident.
The case has highlighted the serious consequences that can arise from professional disagreements within the police force and the potential for pranks to escalate into significant legal matters affecting multiple lives.
