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Monday, 6 March 2006, 12:16 GMT

'Dyke' claim ex-policeman charged

John Atkinson and North Wales Police crest graphic A retired police officer from north Wales is to be prosecuted for allegedly referring to a female officer as a "dyke."

Former detective John Atkinson, from Pontblyddyn, near Mold, is said to have made the remark to officers while attending a former colleague's funeral.

He was arrested and charged with a section five public order offence and will be tried by Flintshire magistrates on 10 April.

Mr Atkinson has pleaded not guilty.

In 2005 North Wales Police chief constable Richard Brunstrom escaped disciplinary action after referring to homosexuals as "queers."

He apologised, and accepted that it had been inappropriate but he was not disciplined or charged with any offence because of his instant apology for an off-the-cuff remark and his record in tackling discrimination.

Mr Atkinson's son George was killed in an airgun accident seven years ago.




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Related to this story:
Father calls for airgun safety moves (19 Jan 00 |  Wales )
Brunstrom's apology for gay slur (12 Mar 05 |  North West Wales )

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