LETTER: Common sence approach when it comes to PC

The police force very often comes in for criticism (sometimes justified).

But the case of PC Rothwell, who decided to use a bit of humanity towards a homeless man, beggars belief .

Admittedly, the man was a shoplifter, but stealing £2 worth of biscuits would seem to suggest hunger rather than stealing to sell for profit.

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Okay, the case against the constable seems to be around his report by not disclosing that he, the police officer, had forked out the £2 himself to reimburse the shop.

Surely that could have been dealt with by a senior officer having a quiet word, rather than thousands of pounds spent on a disciplinary hearing?

Presumably, the shop could argue that theft is theft, and I understand that argument, but in this instance, the way the officer handled the situation would have been win win all round if the store staff hadn’t reported the officer.

Sometimes, a bit of good old fashioned common sense is best.

Col Gill

Rother Street, Pilsley