Police pay out over smashed windows

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03 February 2012 at 11:17

A motorist who took legal action against police over a 17-minute pursuit has received a "substantial" out-of-court settlement, lawyers said.

The pursuit began when Robert Whatley set off without putting on his seat belt and ended with police smashing the windows of the 73-year-old grandfather's vehicle.

The police officers involved in the incident were cleared in a disciplinary hearing and Gwent Police has made no admission of liability, but reports suggest the payment made to Mr Whatley is in excess of £20,000.

The retired businessman, who claimed for post-traumatic stress disorder, had already received more than £8,000 after claiming for damage to his Range Rover.

Mr Whatley, of Usk, Monmouthshire, had been fined £235 and ordered to pay £300 costs at Caerphilly Magistrates' Court after being found guilty of a number of driving-related charges, including not wearing a seat belt and failing to stop for a police officer.

Copyright Press Association 2012