Olympics spectator with Parkinson`s wants `exoneration` after arrest
Baku, August 9 (AZERTAC). A man with Parkinson`s disease who was arrested during the Olympic men`s cycling road race while sitting beside the route has said he wants a "letter of exoneration" from Surrey police, claiming their treatment of him was disproportionate.
Mark Worsfold, 54, a former soldier and martial arts instructor, was arrested on 28 July for a breach of the peace shortly before the cyclists arrived in Redhouse Park, Leatherhead, where he had sat down on a wall to watch the race. Officers from Surrey police restrained and handcuffed him and took him to Reigate police station, saying his behaviour had "caused concern".
Worsfold, whose experience was first reported by Private Eye, claims police questioned him about his demeanour and why he had not been seen to be visibly enjoying the event. Worsfold, who was diagnosed with Parkinson`s in 2010, suffers from muscle rigidity that affects his face. He was released after two hours without charge or caution.
Campaigners, however, said the incident was illustrative of the kind of "chronic misunderstandings" people with Parkinson`s have to deal with regularly. "Sadly Mark`s experience highlights the lack of understanding and compassion that many people currently living with Parkinson`s have to deal with every day," said Laura Bowey, head of information and support at Parkinson`s UK.
"Parkinson`s is a complex condition, and those living with it can experience a range of different symptoms that can vary almost on an hourly basis. We hope that Mark`s experience will help to raise awareness of this distressing problem and will be a reminder to be careful about making the wrong assumptions about people who have Parkinson`s."
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