A POLICE commissioner who sparked outrage when he suggested Sarah Everard should have been more "street wise" has resigned.
North Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Allot stepped down today hours after losing a no confidence vote.
The Police Commissioner came under heavy criticism after after he suggested Sarah Everard should have been more ’streetwise’ and not have ‘submitted’ to arrest by her killer Wayne Couzens who was a serving police officer.
READ MORE: Police Scotland launch lone officer ‘verification’ check in wake of Sarah Everard murder
Mr Allot has since apologised for the remarks he made, and Prime Minister Boris was allegedly outraged by the comments which were made even worse as Ms Everards family live in York.
Mr Allot said in his statement: “I had hoped I could rebuild trust, to restore confidence.
“Following this morning’s meeting of the Police and Crime Panel it seems clear to me that the task will be exceptionally difficult if it is possible at all.
“That is why I am doing the honourable thing and resigning as Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner – to restore confidence in the office which I believe will be almost impossible for me to do, and to enable victims’ voices to be heard clearly without the distraction of the continued furore which surrounds me.”
He had initially apologised for the comments before making the decision to retire, claiming he had ‘mispoke’ and that the impact of his words were ‘devestating’. Mr Allot said he had been in contact with groups who he claims have since accepted the apology for his victim blaming words.
Mr Allot added: “I was pleased that so many victims’ groups had accepted that I was genuinely sorry and were willing to work with me to help me in the mammoth task I had ahead.
“There are women and girls in York and North Yorkshire today suffering at the hands of men.
“Victims and the groups who support them need to be heard.
“They cannot be heard if the airwaves are filled with discussion about my future.”
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon slams police commissioner's remarks
An acting PCC will be chosen from the former police commissioner’s staff until a by-election is held for the £74,400 role.
The news follows a report in the Yorkshire Post which said most of Mr Allott’s staff had signed a letter expressing they were appalled by his comments and made allegations about his behaviour towards colleagues.
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