Police Chief Faces Fury (Press, 16 December 1987)
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Summary: Police Chief Faces Fury (Press, 16 December 1987)
On 16 December 1987, James Anderton, the police chief of Manchester, faced severe backlash following remarks he made regarding the punishment of criminals. In an interview with the magazine "Woman’s Own," Anderton expressed a willingness to physically punish offenders, stating that he would thrash some of them until they begged for mercy. He emphasised the need for corporal punishment to be so severe that it would lead criminals to repent for their actions. Anderton, a deeply religious figure, has drawn criticism in the past for his controversial views, including his call for the castration of rapists and a prohibition on homosexual acts. His statements sparked immediate outrage, particularly from members of the Opposition Labour Party, who demanded his resignation. MP David Young highlighted concerns about Anderton's mindset, suggesting that such perspective is dangerous and reflects a troubling attitude towards authority and justice. Steve Murphy, chairman of the Greater Manchester Police Authority, remarked that Anderton’s statements indicated a desire to take on dual roles as both investigator and punisher, which he deemed unacceptable for someone in a position of responsibility. There were indications that pressure was mounting among authority members for potential actions to dismiss Anderton. A spokesman from the Home Office clarified that Anderton was expressing personal opinions, not government policy, reiterating that his beliefs stem from religious inspiration rather than official directives. Anderton's controversial commentary was not new, as he had previously incited outrage by referring to AIDS victims in derogatory terms, indicating a pattern of provocative and polarising statements.
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