North Yorkshire's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner apologises for 'insensitive comments'
Philip Allott had suggested women need to be 'more streetwise' over false arrests.
Last updated 1st Oct 2021
North Yorkshire's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has apologised for comments suggesting women need to be 'more streetwise' over false arrests.
Philip Allott has tweeted to retract his comments in full, saying what he said was 'insensitive'.
It follows the murder of Sarah Everard - who was originally from York - by a man who was working in the Metropolitan force at the time.
Wayne Couzens was sentenced to a whole life term in prison yesterday.
Speaking to us after the sentencing yesterday, Mr Allott said: "One of the issues with the Wayne Couzens case, and the most perpetuating and frustrating, is that his behaviour should have been picked up much earlier.
"That should have sounded an alarm bell and should have been followed through; had that happened he may well have not gone on to murder.
"I can't guarantee as a commissioner to protect everyone, I have to be honest; women have to be street savvy. But what I can do is to try and provide a much higher level of safety than we have in the past.
"Somebody typically commits seven crimes before going on to commit murder; if we can get in there early and identify on the first or second offence - that could change lives and save lives".