Two Plebgate Libel Cases 'To Be Dropped'

The two plebgate libel cases are close to being abandoned, Sky News can reveal.

Andrew Mitchell is suing The Sun newspaper which printed the original claims that the Tory MP used the term "plebs" during a dispute at the gates of Downing Street in 2012.

And the policeman at the centre of the row, PC Toby Rowland is seeking libel damages from the former chief whip, repeating his claim Mr Mitchell used the word after being blocked from cycling out of the street through the main gate.

But Sky's Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt has discovered there has been a confidential process of mediation between the two sides, and that they are now close to mutually ending their legal action.

The MP has always maintained he never used the word "pleb", but admits swearing during the altercation.

Mr Mitchell ended up resigning over the row.

He has always claimed the Police Federation used the incident to take revenge for police cuts and had orchestrated a "stitch-up".

Several police officers and one civilian relative of a police officer have been arrested for offences arising out of the case.

PC Keith Wallis ended up being jailed for lying about witnessing the exchange , and at least three others have been dismissed from the police.