Criminal charges linked to the so-called ‘plebgate’ affair could be brought by the end of the month, Britain’s most senior police officer said.
Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said he hoped to hand a file to prosecutors in a matter of weeks, when the force closes its investigation into whether former chief whip Andrew Mitchell was the target of a conspiracy involving officers.
Appearing before the Home Affairs Select Committee, the Met chief revealed an officer arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office will answer bail on January 31, while a relative of the officer will answer bail on January 16.
Mr Mitchell was forced to quit his cabinet post amid a storm of protest over claims he called officers “plebs” during an altercation in Downing Street.
