Teen arrested for handing in mobile phone to police

Birthday boy Paul Leicester got something for his 18th he didn’t want when he was unduly arrested for finding a mobile phone while out celebrating.

The Southport College A-Level student told of his “shock experience” as police have since withdrawn the case.

Paul said: “It’s stupid. Being arrested isn’t a way to celebrate your 18th birthday. What are you supposed to do when you find a phone? I told the last caller I would drop it off at the police station the next day. But they arrested me for theft by finding – shocking.”



The teenager was then kept in the station for four hours on Mother’s Day and had his finger prints taken, along with a DNA swab and a photo for police records. Officers then grilled him for 15 minutes about the alleged ‘theft’.

A police spokesman explained the complaint of theft was subsequently withdrawn and Paul was released without charge.

Sefton Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Ian Pilling, added: "Merseyside Police has contacted Mr Leicester in relation to the incident and he does not wish to make a complaint against police."