Nicola Blowfield
I was accused of assaulting a police officer. What actually happened was, he asked me for my phone, I was in a state of shock so I was not really listening. He then came at me, pushing me against his car, I put my hands up to protect myself, he grabbed my arms and threw me to the floor, I was screaming as I was so scared, he ignored this and continued to lock my wrists together putting handcuffs on them. In that moment he decided to arrest me for assault. I couldn't believe it I was so shocked and scared and said what are you talking about you are the one that's assaulted me. I was in a car park at night on my own and wasn't sure what he was going to do. I told him that there was no need for what he did and told his 2 colleagues when they turned up that he had assaulted me and that he shouldn't be driving around on his own. They had no response and put me in a police van and took me to the police station. I was locked in a cell for approx 15 hours. On the 999 call to the police they were told by my partner that I was pregnant but this officer took no notice. His body camera footage just shows a scuffle between us but in the interview another police officer tried to make out I had put my arm up to hit him. It was a load of rubbish as I did what most people would do in that situation. I realised then that the police just stick together. I watched the footage and said yes do you see what he doing to me, he's aggressive this was just ignored. He had a small red mark on his cheek and I had bruising to my upper arm, wrists and knee. The police station took a picture of his cheek but none of my injuries. Howard Bernstein sent 1 letter acknowledging the arrest/bail but have not contacted or updated me since. The solicitor that attended the police station is always out of the office. Nothing has been done with regards to my accusation of assault against the police officer. I am consumed with worry everyday, I cannot think straight. It seems to me that Howard Bernstein Solicitors just arrive at the police station to note the incident but do little or nothing to speak out to protect or represent a person .