WIREDGOV

The sentencing of PC Keith Wallis to 12 months in prison yesterday concludes the criminal matters associated with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) investigation Operation Alice which was supervised by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).  Operation Alice examined circumstances surrounding an altercation on 19 September 2012 between a police officer and the then Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell MP at the gates of Downing Street.

The evidence about the altercation was inconclusive and conflicting in determining what Mr Mitchell said to the police officer but the investigation did provide evidence to support gross misconduct proceedings against five officers, including PC Wallis and misconduct proceedings against a further two.

Deborah Glass, IPCC Commissioner said:

"This has been a matter of great public interest in which, pending the criminal proceedings, few of the facts could be made public. Now that the criminal matter is concluded we are able to provide a picture of the circumstances connecting the officers facing proceedings.

"Whatever was said during the original altercation, what is in my view beyond doubt is that the incident should have gone no further than the personal apology Mr Mitchell made to the gate officer for swearing. Whatever Mr Mitchell said, it was not audible to the other police officers standing several feet away.

"The patchwork of evidence from emails, text messages and telephone calls does not suggest an organised conspiracy to bring down a Cabinet Minister. But there was clearly collusion between certain officers to, as they saw it, blow the whistle on bad behaviour toward one of their own, which ultimately had the same effect.

"It will be for a disciplinary panel to decide the culpability of the officers involved.

"The actions of PC Wallis - and the other officers responsible for turning a largely inaudible altercation lasting less than a minute into a national scandal – have not only caused injustice to Mr Mitchell. They have brought shame upon the police service. Now that the criminal proceedings have concluded it is important for the Metropolitan Police Service to proceed as quickly as possible to the misconduct hearings and to deal effectively with any underlying issues so that they can finally close the book on this sorry chapter.”

As well as the above statement we have also published an overview of the Metropolitan Police's Operation Alice. 

- See more at: http://www.ipcc.gov.uk/news/statement-following-sentencing-pc-keith-wallis#sthash.v9F4xcZg.dpuf