Date published: Saturday, 19 August 2000

Author: Phil Stovell

The News: http://www.thenews.co.uk

Contact: letters@thenews.co.uk

TALKING POINT: HEMP CLOTHING

APOLOGIES TO EVERYONE FOR WEARING WRONG TROUSERS

Susan Rolling, the Hampshire police spokeswoman, said of my mistaken arrest last Sunday on Southsea Common: 'Anyone who wore hemp trousers in an effort to confuse our sniffer dog should not have been surprised to be temporarily detained (Police defend tactics at cannabis-protest picnic).

I must apologise to Ms Rolling and the taxpayers of Portsmouth for wearing the wrong trousers. I'm also very sorry to inform Ms Rolling that I had no idea a sniffer dog would be present. In fact, I am wearing hemp jeans now - I have no cotton jeans. Can everybody who wears hemp clothing now expect to be arrested?

I would be interested to learn from Ms Rolling the cost of the operation.

I understand, from a sympathetic police officer, that the sniffer dog came from British Transport Police in London. As the dog, unfortunately, apparently indicated many people who were not in possession of controlled substances, perhaps it should be retired.

I would, however, like to extend my thanks for the tact and professionalism shown by the officer who arrested me and the officer who searched me. I hope the Oxo cube added an extra piquancy to their Sunday joints!

The next time I visit Southsea I will be wearing a suit.

Phil Stovell

North Stroud Lane

Petersfield