Ten hours in a 'filthy' cell - for tacking a theft suspect

Wendy Challis-Jones, 39, of York, last night hit out at North Yorkshire Police after she was locked in a police cell for ten hours.

She was driving in Shipton Road, York, when she saw a man chasing a thief who had allegedly stolen his bicycle.

Miss Challis-Jones - also a former traffic warden, who has received two police commendations - pulled over, let the victim get into her car and then gave chase.

She pulled her car in front of the bike and tackled the suspect. Then, as he allegedly lunged towards her, she struck out, got the bicycle back and pushed him away.

He was arrested and charged with theft, but Miss Challis-Jones was also arrested on suspicion of assault.

She said: "I couldn't believe it. I then spent ten hours in a filthy police cell with food smeared on the walls and an open toilet with no flush.

"I had my fingerprints taken, DNA, mugshots, they even took my jewellery and shoes away.

"My emotions were just of humiliation. I even began to doubt myself.

"I have worked side by side with the police for 20 years, as a store detective and a traffic warden. I have two police commendations, and have a lot of respect for the work they do, but this is not right."

Inspector Nigel Slater, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "I can confirm she was arrested on suspicion of assault.

"Independent witnesses at the scene said she had mounted the kerb, stopped the car and then punched the individual.

"It transpires that she was concerned he was going to strike her, but we had to look at the full facts and that was why no charges were brought.

"We can only apologise for the length of time she was detained. She did a good deed, but we had to investigate the independent witnesses.

"We are grateful to her for challenging this youth, but I would warn the public that they must be wary about only using reasonable force."

A youth is due to appear before magistrates in York today charged with theft.