CROYDON South MP Richard Ottaway has defended his friend Andrew Mitchell, after he lost his libel action against a police officer and The Sun newspaper in the so-called 'plebgate' scandal. A High Court judge ruled on Thursday that Tory MP Mr Mitchell did use the word pleb during a heated exchange with police officer PC Toby Rowland at the gates of Downing Street in 2012. The former international development secretary now faces a £3 million legal bill and his reputation is in tatters. But Mr Ottaway went on TV on Thursday night, to defend his close ally - citing his charity work, among other things. He told Channel Four News: "Andrew has been through hell and back. Mr Rowland has been through hell and back. "It is a tragedy for Andrew Mitchell and his wife. I think he should be allowed to get on with his life."
