Met in £40,000 'crack' payout

A man who claims Metropolitan policemen planted crack cocaine on him has been awarded a £40,000 settlement.

Howard Douglas, of Crouch End, was accused six years ago of possessing drugs with intent to supply but was acquitted. Mr Douglas, who has previous convictions, including one for drug offences, said the compensation was justified because he had "suffered immensely". A Scotland Yard spokesman said police denied the allegations but added that in reaching a settlement, they had to consider the cost to the public of defending the case in court.