"Smile, darn you, smile"
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.
Further details at
The Guardian.
Boy, I'd really be in trouble w. these guys. Despite being an easygoing, pretty happy kinda guy, my natural relaxed expression has a slight frown to the mouth. People have often told me they were intimidated or taken aback by my somewhat stern-looking demeanor before they got to know me. Guess I'd better stay away from British bicycle races - or British police!
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