By Claire Burbidge
A Brighton photographer’s third appeal to the Crown Prosecution Service over claims he was assaulted by a former police officer has failed.
Eddie Mitchell filed criminal charges against David Freeman, after claiming Freeman had assaulted him in his car, causing £800 worth of damage to the vehicle.
Mitchell claims that when he called at the door of Freeman’s councillor girlfriend, while working for The Argus, Brighton, Freeman said: "Leave before I cut your bollocks off."
Related
Mitchell has photographic evidence of the incident and claims he was left with "bumps and bruises" on his head and face.
The CPS decided not to prosecute Freeman on the grounds that there was insufficient evidence. Unhappy with this verdict, Mitchell appealed. The file was then reviewed by chief crown prosecutor for Sussex, Sarah Gallagher, who, in a letter to Mitchell, stated: "I am satisfied that the advice given by the CPS that there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction was correct."
Mitchell then complained to the director’s office at the CPS in London, which agreed with the previous two decisions. Principal private secretary Jackie Renchetti said: "I am satisfied that all aspects of your complaint have been comprehensively addressed by the CPS in Sussex. I can add nothing further."
Content from our partners
Mitchell told Press Gazette: "I am appalled by the decision."
He has begun a private County Court action against Freeman for a personal injury claim that includes the damages to his car and pictures.
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
