Prank Call Leads to Misunderstanding and Arrest of Businessman

In a recent hearing, PC Magee defended his actions surrounding a prank call that led to the arrest of businessman Mr. Churchill, asserting that the arrest could have been avoided if other officers had acted more promptly. The incident occurred on December 31, 2022, when PC Magee, impersonating Mr. Churchill, called a fellow officer, PC X, who believed the call was genuine. Mr. Churchill was detained for one hour and 40 minutes before the misunderstanding was clarified. PC Magee acknowledged making the prank call but contended that he had informed his colleague it was a joke before Mr. Churchill's arrest. He claimed that other officers, who were aware of the prank, failed to intervene and prevent the arrest. The call was made during Magee's night shift at Newport police station, and Mr. Churchill was arrested later that morning. During the hearing, Barrister Alan Jenkins, representing Hampshire Constabulary, highlighted the nature of the call, which included derogatory language. Magee's lawyer, Fraser Coxhill, emphasized that while Magee accepted responsibility for the call, he did not believe it directly caused Mr. Churchill's arrest. Testimonies from three other officers present during the prank revealed varying perceptions of the call's seriousness. Temporary Sergeant Olivia Peachey assumed PC X would recognize it as a joke due to their friendship, while PC Lisa Gray noted that Magee used a disguised voice. The hearing is ongoing as the panel continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.