Plebgate: what does libel ruling mean for Andrew Mitchell?

Judge describes MP's behaviour as 'childish' and says he probably did call police officers 'plebs'

Former cabinet minister and Conservative MP Andrew Mitchell talks to the media after the court ruling.
(Image credit: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty)

A High Court judge has ruled that former chief whip Andrew Mitchell probably did call police officers "plebs" outside Downing Street in September 2012.

The ruling concludes a libel case brought by Mitchell against The Sun, which published a front page story accusing the Tory MP of calling Downing Street police officers "f***ing plebs" in an arrogant tirade. Mitchell admitted swearing when officers refused to allow him to cycle through the main vehicle gates, but he denied using the words attributed to him.

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