McCririck stunned at possible private prosecution

Channel 4 Racing betting expert John McCririck today revealed his 'shock' and anger that he may face a private prosecution over an alleged assault at York races.

He spoke after it emerged that 55-year-old security guard Jan Cole would be speaking to her solicitors over the matter.

McCririck had earlier expressed his relief that the Crown Prosecution Service and the police had decided to take no further action over the matter.

He also called for more Government restrictions on private security companies.

Cole, who was working for internal security firm Constant Security Services, claimed that McCririck 'brushed her aside' after he tried to go into a restricted area of the Knavesmire Stand.

The incident involving the grandmother happened at about 12.30pm on the final day of the three-day Ebor meeting on August 23rd.

Cole made a complaint to the police following the incident.

Both she and McCririck, who later insisted he had done nothing wrong, gave statements to thepolice.

She is said to have told McCririck that he did not have the correct badge to go into a luxury suite in the stand.

At the time, Constant Security Services managing director, Mick Lee, defended her actions and insisted she was only doing her job.

McCririck said today: 'The police and the CPS have wasted valuable hours thoroughly inquiring into Mrs Cole`s vile, baseless allegation.

'They found unequivocally there is no case whatsoever to answer.

'I did not assault her. I have never assaulted a woman. I never will.

'I am shocked at this attempt to bypass the official, impartial investigation. It shows contempt for our whole system of law.

He added: 'Mrs Cole ought to accept that her company failed adequately to train her for the job.

'Press passes do allow holders access to the vast Knavesmire Stand.

'If anything, she could be accused of assaulting me, by attempting to grab my lapel to inspect a badge which she still refuses to acknowledge was legitimate.

'Just as nightclubs don`t employ sweet 55-year-old grannies as bouncers, nor should racecourses or other venues.

'Although many would agree with Mick Lee calling me an `arrogant arsehole`, such foul language demonstrates his attitude to the public.

'York racecourse, and others contracted to Constant Security Services, must now consider if it is acceptable that their customers are to be similarly treated in the future.

'Of course, false accusations are personally distressing and damaging, though for them, there are formidable legal options available to me.

The whole incident had been blown out of all proportion, he claimed.