Gatehouse of Fleet man receives more than £100,000 compensation after being wrongly arrested by Police Scotland
Gary Webb says his life has been "completely trashed" after spending three nights in prison in 2015
by Stephen NorrisA Gatehouse man has been awarded more than £100,000 in compensation by Police Scotland after he was wrongly arrested and incarcerated.
Gary Webb, 60, spent a night in the cells and three nights in prison on remand in 2015.
Mr Webb, who lives several miles outside the town, was arrested by detectives who had a warrant for another man.
The family man was handcuffed in front of his wife before being led away.
The former timber yard manager said: “My life has been trashed after this. Completely trashed. I was at home with my wife then being held in cuffs with no one believing who I was and facing the worst kind of criminal charges imaginable.”
Mr Webb, who has no criminal convictions, says detectives identified him by holding a photo of the suspect next to his face.
The arrest went ahead despite Mr Webb producing his passport, driving licence and photos of his own.
He said: “I thought I was going insane. How could no one believe I was me? I had to leave my work as my mental health was affected by everything.
“I experienced things I should never have had to.”
Mr Webb’s complaint to Police Scotland was rejected after a two-year internal probe and logged as “an internal service issue”.
But the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner found “serious failings” and ordered the arrest of five officers.
Allegations relating to criminal neglect of duty and attempting to pervert the course of justice were reported to the Crown Office but after two years they ruled that no officer should face prosecution.
Mr Webb said: “Everything that has happened and is currently happening goes against all reason, common sense and decency.
“I shouldn’t need to raise legal actions or do media work to prove my innocence and get answers but what else am I meant to do?
“Where do you go when you’re trying to get justice against the justice system?”
He added: “Police Scotland and its behaviour has been utterly despicable.
“The officers didn’t make mistakes in the course of their duties. They lied and tried to cover it up and there’s lots of evidence to prove this.”
Digby Brown Solicitors secured a figure “well in excess” of £100,000 compensation for Mr Webb. Gordon Dalyell from the firm said: “The arrest and continued detention of Mr Webb was nothing short of outrageous.
“The life of an innocent man was completely ruined because of the deliberate and malign actions of police officers who are meant to keep people safe.
“I would like to think an inquiry will occur in due course to ensure innocent people are not illegally detained and Police Scotland staff who act illegally will be held accountable.”
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: “We recognise the significant impact this incident and our poor initial response had on Mr Webb. Following the conclusion of legal proceedings we will seek to discuss these matters with him and offer an unreserved apology.
“When learning opportunities are identified, Police Scotland is committed to supporting officers and staff who have acted in good faith. However, we will not comment on internal misconduct matters.”