THE LAUGHING POLICEMAN !

   Judge scraps trial after policeman

                    'pulled faces'

     A judge has scrapped a trial at a cost to the taxpayer of thousands of pounds after a policeman was accused of pulling faces at the defendant.
   The officer was reported to Judge Graham Knowles QC after jurors claimed he was making " facial expressions " and shaking his head from the public gallery while the 22 year-old suspect was testifying at Preston Crown Court on a charge of aggravated burglary. A retrial will now take place on Sept 17th.
   The unnamed detective has denied the claims but Lancashire Police said it accepted the judge's decision.(Do Lancashire Police know more than their letting on ? ) Prosecution costs have exceeded £1,600 and defence costs could be several thousand pounds more as the suspect is believed to be on legal aid.
   Perhaps some form of financial contribution should be given by the police officer for prolonging the trial and acting in a unprofessional manner ? I'm sure there would be some form of financial penalty if roles were reversed.......