Assault claim on picket line

Jul 20 2007 By Jon Griffin, Birmingham Mail

A SENIOR Royal Mail manager is being investigated over a complaint of assault after claims that violence flared during a picket line protest at Chelmsley Wood.

Barry Bowles, manager at the Chelmsley Wood delivery office, is at the centre of a complaint lodged by ex-colleague Russell James.

Mr James, a former postman who left the Royal Mail more than a year ago after ten years with the postal group, has accused Mr Bowles of assault following a bust-up during a 24-hour strike by Communication Workers Union members.

Police have confirmed an investigation is under way into the incident. Nobody has been arrested or charged.

Mr James, of Tile Cross, said the alleged assault happened after he went to visit former colleagues on a picket line outside Chelmsley Wood delivery office.

The ex-postman claimed he was subjected to verbal abuse from Mr Bowles and "matters escalated" when he went to confront him.

"He went to kick out at me and missed, he grabbed my left arm and then the right side of my jacket," he claimed.

"I felt really intimidated - I said he shouldn't speak to me in that manner. I am not a Royal Mail employee now, I am an ordinary member of the public."

Mr James later lodged an official complaint with West Midlands Police at Chelmsley Wood Police Station.

The alleged incident happened after Mr James went to meet up with ex-colleagues who were picketing outside the Chelmsley Wood office in support of an official 24-hour CWU stoppage.

A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that we have received a complaint of common assault relating to an altercation at Stephenson Drive, Chelmsley Wood, on Friday July 13.

"There were no injuries and there have been no arrests made. Inquiries are continuing at this stage."

Mr Bowles could not be contacted for comment. The Royal Mail has made no comment.