Paddick attacks 'homophobic' opponents

Commander Paddick says he has no regrets

The gay police commander attacked for his liberal drugs policy has claimed he is the victim of a homophobic witch-hunt.

Commander Brian Paddick said his opponents were angry about the decision not to arrest people holding small amounts of cannabis, but the policy was too popular and effective to attack.

He told The Mirror newspaper there were also no problems in his police record, adding: "The only thing left to undermine me is my private life."

Mr Paddick, who was moved out of his job as Lambeth police chief following allegations about his private life, said he has been targeted because of his introduction of new ideas and ways of policing.

'Flesh wounds'

The 43-year-old said he had no regrets about his uncompromising stance.

It's a sad reflection of the state of this country that someone open and honest about what they believe in is crucified for it

Commander Paddick

He said: "In any war you get casualties. I'm a casualty in a bigger war.

"I just hope I'm only suffering from flesh wounds that will heal in time, though they'll always leave a scar."

Commander Paddick, whose reinstatement has been demanded by many Lambeth residents, said many officers were afraid to stand up for what they believed in.

"I believe passionately in what police do and what police stand for," he said.

"It's a sad reflection of the state of this country that someone open and honest about what they believe in is crucified for it."

'Clear message'

Despite his decision not to arrest most cannabis users Mr Paddick insisted he was against drug taking.

Lambeth residents welcomed the move on cannabis

He said his decision was taken purely because of the need to concentrate police resources on the fight against the use of hard drugs like cocaine and heroin.

Mr Paddick said: "If I was a commander for another borough that didn't have the difficulties Lambeth has, or if I had another 250 extra officers, then I'd probably not have suggested the cannabis policy."

He insisted that he did consider cannabis harmful and added: "The clear message I want to send to people is that you can take one ecstasy tablet and die or take cocaine recreationally and end up addicted."

Public support

Mr Paddick had been spearheading a police experiment on cannabis, where those in possession of small amounts of the drug are given a warning and have the drug confiscated, rather than being prosecuted.

The police have said it is still too early to make a definitive evaluation of the success of the scheme.

But a study by the Police Foundation found the trial was supported by 83% of Lambeth residents.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens said the scheme will continue in Lambeth, but will not be extended to other areas of London at the moment.