Second Injured Constable Loses Job

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31519, 6 November 1967, Page 13

Second Injured Constable Loses Job

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter— Copyright) DURHAM, Nov. 5.

The Durham Police Authority has told » police constable that his services are no longer required because of the effect of an injury which he received on duty 14 years ago.

Police Constable James Mossop received the injury when he was subduing a

dance hall brawl. A senior officer said “the decision was taken under the medical regulations.” He was asked if any similarity was seen with the case of Police Constable Alex Archibald, of Cumbrian police, who was wounded in tackling a gunman and was being retired with a £3 a week pension. The senior officer said: “This has not occurred to anybody.” The senior officer said that the decision had been taken

in the light of the continuing effect on P. C. Mossop’s health.

The British Home Secretary (Mr Roy Jenkins) is concerned over the case of Police Constable Archibald, aged 31. Mr Archibald’s bravery in 1965 won him the British Empire Medal for apprehending a gunman who had killed a policeman. He was wounded in the chest and spine. A Home Office statement tonight said: “The Home Secretary has learned with

concern of Mr Archibald’s difficulties. While he has no direct responsibility, he is making inquiries of the Cumbria Police Authority and will he discussing the matter with Mr Ronald Lewis, M.P. for Carlisle. The Cumbrian Constabulary at Carlisle dismissed him from his £lB-a-week post and retired him on a pension of £l2 a month. Mr Archibald’s dismissal also means he will have to leave his rent-free police house.