District Council denies charge of 'political correctness gone mad'

Reports in two national newspapers this week suggested the investigation into the objection, which led to the wrongful arrest of a Rye businessman who had not even written the e-mail, was sparked by over-zealous Rother District Council (RDC) officers.

The phrase "do as you likey attitude" was judged by officers to be offensive because the word likey rhymes with the derogatory term pikey, according to reports in the Daily Mail and the Telegraph.

Rother District Council spokesman Dan Collins said: "This was not the case and Rother District Council did not inform the media that the comment was removed for this reason.

"It was actually removed because of other remarks made which could clearly have been considered inflammatory and were obviously unsuitable for a public website."

The e-mail was sent last August by Paul Osmond, then an employee of the 45-year-old businessman, to RDC's planning website about an application by gypsy Linda Smith, to keep a mobile home on an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Battle.

The arrest happened on November 15.

Police kept the businessman, who asked not to be named, in a cell for four hours until it was established he had nothing to do with the e-mail.

They later confirmed they would be holding his DNA indefinitely.

The businessman said: "I have never had any criminal record and try my best to teach my children right from wrong.

"This was a ridiculously heavy-handed police reaction to what they perceived as a racist comment.

"I am not the least bit racist and neither is Paul Osmond."

The case finally ended last week when Mr Osmond, who had been arrested and bailed, was told there would be no further police action. The planning case is continuing.

Mr Osmond, 39, of Icklesham, said: "I made it clear to them I am absolutely not racist.

"I said I was simply registering my objection to this application because it is 200ft from the most important and historical battlefield in the country.

"I now feel I am not even able to express an opinion for fear of being arrested by the police."

RDC spokesman Dan Collins said: "The e-mail was removed from the Rother site after members of the public complained to the council and Sussex Police about its content.

"This matter was the subject of a report to the council's planning committee and members of the planning committee were asked at the time to disregard it during their deliberations."

Sussex Police Chief Inspector Heather Keating said: "We received a complaint of crime '“ something we are obliged to investigate '“ and are satisfied that we acted appropriately in identifying the owner of the computer and through this action, the writer of the article concerned.

"I am now aware that one of the men involved in the investigation is dissatisfied with our response and we will work with him to resolve the issues he has raised.

"As this liaison is ongoing, I cannot comment further at this time."