Police recruit solicitor ahead of libel hearing

Around £10,000 is set to be spent on a lawyer for the police deparment defending both the force and the crime commissioner against a North Yorkshire farmer’s lawsuit.
Julia Mulligan is being sued along with North Yorkshire Police by a Scarborough farmer, who claims she slurred him on a radio interviewJulia Mulligan is being sued along with North Yorkshire Police by a Scarborough farmer, who claims she slurred him on a radio interview
Julia Mulligan is being sued along with North Yorkshire Police by a Scarborough farmer, who claims she slurred him on a radio interview

North Yorkshire Police admitted the temporary solicitor could end up working on the case brought by Bill Edwards, a Scarborough farmer who claims Police Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan slurred him in a radio interview.

While the force denies the new recruit has been brought in specifically to deal with his case, Mr Edwards has taken aim at Mrs Mulligan over the comments that will land her in court this January.

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Her comments on BBC Radio York, Mr Edwards claims were defamatory and have since made it difficult for him to find work.

As a result, his lawsuit will be heard at Leeds Crown Court in 2015, where both Mrs Mulligan and the force will be represented by the 20-strong Joint Corporate Legal Services Department.

Last week, the commissioner’s office denied there was a conflict of interest in Mrs Mulligan - elected to hold the police to account - being represented by the same legal team as the force.

And a North Yorkshire Police spokesperson claims this latest vacancy, which commands a salary of up to £40,206 per annum, arose following an “internal promotion”.

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They added: “The cases on which the person taking up role will work have not yet been allocated. However, it possible that they may assist with the case involving North Yorkshire Police and Mr Edwards.

“Their salary will be based on their experience matched against the role’s career plan.

“This plan is publicly available in the application pack for the post, which can be viewed in the vacancies section of the police website.”