What with senior police figures facing prosecution and 'retirement', scandals over Hillsborough, phone hacking & bludgeoning innocent newspaper sellers, you might think the image of P.C. Plod couldn't sink much lower. But you'd be wrong.

Local 'iconic brand' and notoriously under-performing cricketer Keith Skipper has launched a video in which he exhorts the populace to take part in voting for the 'Police & Crime Commissioner' for Norfolk. Not only does Skippy try to trick hard-working families into participating in this farcical stunt to legitimise yet another para-military bureaucrat, he delivers his 'message' by performing a 'rap' in supposed Norfolk dialect. Moist with the thrill of worshipping authority, Skippy tells us to "Show collective courage to keep the wrong'uns out", whilst cavorting in a peurile manner. Oh dear no. Not the sort of collective courage we have in mind...

Considering the musical merits of the piece, it remains unclear whether the Home Office will be taking legal action. Theresa May is reported to have been overheard saying, "This is appalling. First the riots and now this. Its a nightmare scenario!"

For some real hardcore vernaaacular rapping, check Andy Palmer's 'Hainford Hall Rap' 

In Portland, Oregan it could. Whilst investigating vandalism caused on May Day of this year, the FBI raided the home of 24 year old Leah-Lynn Plante, amongst others. Armed officers broke down her door with a battering ram, threw in a stun grenade and locked down the building. What could they have been looking for? Bomb making equipment? Child pornography? No,  the search warrant included normal household items such as paint and computers and more pointedly, black clothing and anarchist literature. Since then Leah and her co-defendant, Matt Duran have been subpoenaed and oredered before a Grand Jury - where the defendant is not allowed an attorney, and the events within the hearing are kept private. 

Leah refused to cooperate with the Grand Jury, meaning she could be facing jail for contempt of court. Whilst  clearly condemning the May Day vandalism, she says "The assumption that this is about broken windows on a courthouse is a false one," and argues that she and her co-defendants were targeted purely for their political beliefs; on the courtroom steps she claimed "This is a witch hunt."

You can read more about Leah and the others at Committee Against Political Repression

It is with anger and sadness, but little surprise, that we learnt today that that PC Simon Harwood has been  found not guilty of the manslaughter of Ian Tomlinson. Over 1400 people have died following police contact since 1990 yet no officer has been convicted of manslaughter whilst on duty since 1986.  The ins and outs of the case have been covered in great detail over the last few years -  but what has come to public attention following the end of the trial is Harwood's previous history regarding excessive force. The Tomlinson family have shown great strength and dignity in their determination to seek justice for Ian and plan to continue to do so by pursuing a civil case in the courts.  You can support them by donating to the Ian Tomlinson Family Campaign 

Alternatively you can buy the Ian Tomlinson Benefit CD This compilation was put together by Norfolk Community Action Group as part of a benefit day for the Tomlinson family - all profits raised from the CD  will go towards Ian's family's campaign for justice. 

The Death of Ian Tomlinson - A Photographer's Account

Rick's Rant's - Why Ian Tomlinson Must Not Be Forgotten