New CCTV Footage Of Plebgate Affair Emerges

New footage has emerged of Andrew Mitchell's controversial encounter with police at the gates of Downing Street.

The former chief whip was accused of using the term "plebs" during a dispute with officers in September 2012 as he attempted to leave on his bike.

Mr Mitchell, who was forced to resign over the row, maintains he never used the phrase, but admits swearing during the conversation.

One officer, Keith Wallis, was jailed for a year after admitting lying about the incident.

Sky's Home Affairs Correspondent Mark White says the footage, released by London's Metropolitan Police, is significant because it is a full version of the incident, and not an edited one.

White said: "It really shows the length of time that Andrew Mitchell, having cycled down to the gates there, is involved in an initial exchange with officers when they tell him he can't go through that main gate and he's eventually redirected to the side-gate."

The footage has been released along with material from Operation Alice - the Metropolitan Police's investigation into what happened on September 19, 2012.

Statements from other Diplomatic Protection Officers - who man the gates at Downing Street - claim the so-called Plebgate altercation was one of many to have taken place with Mr Mitchell.

One section of Operation Alice's closing report says: "Officer 9 DPG stated that he refused to allow Mr Mitchell to exit through the gates at 10:15am on 20th September. He described Mr Mitchell's demeanour as rude."

White said: "They show that officers believe Andrew Mitchell had form for this kind of outburst."

The material released also includes a summary of the probe and the findings of hearings into the conduct of five officers - four of whom were sacked from the force.

They were: Keith Wallis, James Glanville, Gillian Weatherley and Susan Johnson.

Glanville passed information to The Sun newspaper and Johnson's dismissal was because evidence emerged that a person closely connected to her contacted the newspaper.

A day after the confrontation, Weatherley sent a photograph of an email between his bosses and PC Rowland, who was involved in the row with Mr Mitchell, to James Glanville.

She was found to have breached standards of professional behaviour in relation to honesty and integrity.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Patricia Gallan, who was in charge of Operation Alice, said: "At the heart of this investigation were very serious allegations that police officers had conspired together to lie and falsify statements against a Cabinet Minister.

"I have no doubt these allegations have damaged public trust and confidence in us.

"The police service is here to serve the public, without fear or favour, with honesty and integrity. Where our staff fall short of those standards they must be held to account."