World Boxing Council appeals for Lorne Castle to be re-instated as a Police Officer

The World Boxing Council is asking Dorset Police to re-consider their decision to dismiss Police Constable Lorne Castle for gross misconduct, concerning his arrest of a youth who was carrying a knife.

An Independent Panel ruled that Lorne had mishandled the arrest of a fifteen year old youth in the English town of Bournemouth. Lorne who had a hitherto ten years unblemished record on the Dorset Police Force, admitted to misconduct, saying he had panicked after tackling the masked youth. But the youth was found to be carrying a knife, which slipped out of his pocket and it took four officers to subdue him.

In England it is against the law to carry a knife on the street. Anyone who knowingly flouts this law, does so for a purpose and there is an obvious risk to life and limb involved. Incredibly, the Independent Panel who made the ruling, said that Lorne had not shown the youth the necessary courtesy or respect!? Lorne has apologized for using strong language, but given the circumstances, decisive action was required on the spot.

Four months earlier, Lorne had plunged into the freezing and fast flowing River Avon, to save a woman from drowning. He received a National Heroism Award for his fantastic, prompt and selfless courage.

As well as his Police Work, Lorne is the Husband and Coach of former world Boxing Champion Denise Castle. They are parents of four lovely children.

Any person who carries a knife on the streets, deliberately flouting the law of the land, is potentially extremely dangerous and must be treated accordingly, to avoid the possibility of a stabbing. There have been many throughout Britain over the past few years. The fact that the suspect was masked is another extremely significant and saliant factor.

Lorne Castle is a very fine man, husband and Police Officer. The World Boxing Council is asking Dorset Constabulary to consider this, plus his decade of dedicated service and the very significant risk he faced in tackling a suspect who was masked and armed. The WBC is asking for Lorne to be reinstated so that common sense, fairness and decency can prevail. Mistakes may have been made but given the circumstances, the situation required swift and tough action. Hindsight is a luxury after the fact. The ruling could have been ameliorated and should not ruin a decent and honest man`s career. Common sense should and must win.

The British are known and respected Worldwide for their sense of justice and fair play. High time that they live up to it.