Man arrested for giving £1 to homeless man wins payout Published duration 13 July 2015

image copyright George Wilson image caption George Wilson won a £5,000 payout for his unlawful detention by Merseyside Police

A man who was wrongfully arrested after giving a pound to a homeless man has won a £5,000 payout from Merseyside Police.

George Wilson, 20, from Wallasey, was handcuffed by an officer who thought he was involved in a drug deal.

He received an out-of-court payment after the arrest was accidentally recorded on his mobile phone.

The force accepted he was detained unlawfully and the officer had been "spoken to" at a misconduct meeting.

During his arrest, Mr Wilson denied behaving in a drunk and disorderly manner. "That's not how I'll write it up, pal," the officer replied.

Merseyside Police said the officer's comments were open to interpretation but confirmed that he had been given advice and training.

Mr Wilson had just left a club in Liverpool at 02:00 GMT on 11 January 2014 when he spotted a homeless person and gave him a £1 coin.

'Shocking'

media caption A man who was wrongfully arrested after giving £1 to a homeless man wins £5,000 payout from Merseyside Police

He was stopped by an officer and detained under the Misuse of Drugs Act. As his phone was removed, the officer accidentally switched it to record audio.

Mr Wilson's lawyer Adam Quick described the comments and language used by the officer as "shocking."

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "The force can confirm that it sought legal advice before a settlement amount was negotiated before this case went to trial.

"The officer involved in this incident was spoken to about the matter at a misconduct meeting earlier in the year and was provided with advice and training.

"Merseyside Police remains absolutely committed to the highest integrity and the professional standards of its officers at all times."