“Our advice is that it is not abusive or insulting and there is no offensiveness (as opposed to criticism), neither in the idea expressed nor in the mode of expression.”

The CPS have also “advised” CoL police on how to handle similar cases in the future. The key point is that “insulting” has to be from J Random Pulblic’s point of view, not from a Scientologist’s.

What’s more worrying is the extent to which it appears CoS have affected the police force, not just in this country but worldwide (the Ontario Ministry of Justice declared them a criminal organisation after attempting a similar stunt for example). But was this particular incident due to that? Or was it just a police officer who didn’t understand the law completely getting a bit carried away, maybe under the direction of a Scientologist who took offence?

But prevalent use is the modern usage: Fowler’s Modern English simply says “a popular fashion followed by a specific section of society”.

As it turns out the CPS have dropped it but the point will be taken – one hopes – by the City and other police farces.