Swinbrook Village

Readers of this innocuous, tiny and insignificant site will be glad to hear that the hit rate on pages has shot up at a disproportionate rate to that envisaged by the owner (taking into account the Gloucestershire Constabulary's misspent interest - don't blame me for that, you're paying them).

Suddenly, there has been an interest from a Swiss national in aquiring the domain (I presume it will be hosted on a Swiss server. I can't say). Maybe this is the beginning of the dot net boom?

I suppose the Gloucestershire Contabulary will have to weigh up the expense to the tax payer of threatening international phonecalls and Easyjet flights to Geneva if they have any complaint about the content, though I think Switzerland (like France) is lagging behind in the Police state stakes when compared to ENGLAND & WALES .

If the offer is good enough, perhaps I'll be able to capitalise on it and afford to get away from here. I will offer the cottage to let and, in true "hug a hoodie", David Cameron style (you keep voting for him), I might prefer that the tenants have at least 2 Anti Social Behaviour Orders between them.

note: If anything in this post offends or raises the hackles of any "Senior Police Officers" at Bourton on the Water, do the world a favour and save on polluting diesel. Just call me and I'll come and see you anytime. You know my number even though yours is witheld.

Text deleted by editor 3 April 2007

I was telephoned yesterday evening by the same arresting officer (from Bourton Police Station it appears) to be told that he would re-arrest me, on the instructions of "senior police officers", if I did not remove references to the locale of the person who made the allegation against me.

Further, I was told to remove the name associated with my article "play a song for Molly" or I would be re-arrested. I have chosen to remove the item completely until I have received advice.

I was arrested today on an allegation of Harassment (non violent) at approximately 8am this morning. I'd been up until 3am so was not in 'reception mode'. At one point, there was a suggestion of taking my computer which would have put me out of business while it was away. Thankfully, sense prevailed.

Two police cars arrived to take me to Stroud Police Station, arrested on an allegation made by a woman who I will not name until I have taken legal advice (as the Police, I believe wrongly, stated that it could constitute harassment). Who ever heard of not being able to report an arrest, the reasons and the person making the complaint? It is now in the record and, presumably, a matter of public interest.

The arresting officer, (Mark Price, to the best of my recollection) acted with decency and efficiency. The allegation was made on the 3rd January 2007 (my birthday, coincidentally).

The allegation was without basis and, in my opinion, a perversion of the course of justice and a waste of Police time. I was not charged but made to feel as though I had accumulated points of some sort. Nothing short of a withdrawal of this allegation and an apology to the Police will do.

We now live in a time and place where any person can fling a mischiveous accusation across a Police desk and the Police are happy to oblige by arresting you. Though what person would want to make a public display of their infidelity is beyond belief.

"In the old days", said Officer Price on the drive home, "I'd have come and spoken to you" (to hear your side) "and decided where to go from there".

I intend to pursue this wrongful arrest, 5 hours of wasted time on my part and that of the Police, not to mention the arrest process involving fingerprinting, photographing and DNA taking.

The person who caused this by making a false allegation and untrue statement will answer to this and, perhaps, suffer the same indignity (I have enough evidence and will put it before the Police or CPS, by whatever means).

I am reminded of Oscar Wilde who said that, "If one tells the truth, one is sure sooner or later to be found out" (a fact often borne out at the Court of Appeal).

I don't get around much, so why don't some of you write in with comments about local pubs, restaurants you've eaten in or propped up the bar. Constructive criticism and praise, where due, is a requirement along with guide to prices.

Also, any recommended local shops or services for a new section - to be added soon.

Come to think of it, don't bother - you never have before - just leave it to me.