Presenter's anger at police file

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An-ex TV host wants compensation from police over an alleged hate incident for which he was never prosecuted.

Robin Page, of BBC Two's One Man and His Dog, was arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred in 2002.

The 65-year-old says despite the case being dropped, his name is on a "homophobic incidents register" and a rude e-mail was sent out about him.

Gloucestershire Police apologised for an e-mail which wished Mr Page harm, but said the register was just a log.

The offending e-mail, regarding a trip Mr Page was making to Kenya, said: "Hopefully, he'll get eaten by a crocodile".

I now want compensation because I think they have behaved exceedingly badly Robin Page

A Gloucestershire Police spokesman said: "In this specific case, the officer's choice of words is unfortunate.

"The statement made was meant in a light-hearted manner and was not intended to cause offence. We would like to apologise if this was the case."

Mr Page was arrested on suspicion of inciting racial hatred after a pro-hunting speech he made in Frampton-on-Severn.

He said supporters of the traditional country way of life "should be given the same rights as blacks, Muslims and gays".

'No crime'

The Crown Prosecution did not proceed with the case because of insufficient evidence.

However, Mr Page has obtained a police file on him through the Data Protection Act and is unhappy with some of its contents.

"I now want compensation because I think they have behaved exceedingly badly," he said.

"I'm outraged that I'm on a secret register when I've committed no crime."

A police spokesman said it was not a register in the sense of a Sex Offenders Register, but rather a statistical record for local officers.

One Man and His Dog ended in 1999 after 23 years of showing sheepdog trials.