Man accused of stalking Nicola Sturgeon may sue police

“I did nothing wrong…but cops treated me like an animal.”

A man accused of stalking Nicola Sturgeon is threatening to sue the police after prosecutors dropped the case against him.

Detectives raided Dogan Arslan’s home and arrested him after the First Minister complained he’d been hanging about outside her constituency office in Glasgow.

The 49-year-old was then grilled by officers for four hours and held overnight, during which time he claims he was denied access to vital heart medication and water.

Arslan, originally from Turkey, was due to stand trial next month, but The Sunday Post has learned prosecutors have decided to pull the plug on the case after two-and-a-half years.

It’s understood they were concerned they did not have enough evidence to secure a conviction.

It has also now emerged the former chef has instructed his legal team to seek compensation from Police Scotland for the way he was treated.

Arslan said: “They treated me worse than an animal. I was shaking when they questioned me and begged them for a glass of water.

“I have to take medication for high blood pressure and I took it with me to the police station, but they didn’t allow me to take it.

“It’s not right what happened to me. I’ve been here for more than 25 years and never been in any trouble. I’ve nothing to hide.

“If I take legal action, maybe it will make sure this sort of thing doesn’t happen again to someone else.”

Arslan was arrested in December 2012 in Glasgow after the then Deputy First Minister and her staff had spotted him sitting in a car across the road from her office on a number of occasions.

Just days before his house was raided, two detectives arranged to visit Ms Sturgeon at her constituency office.

While they were there, Arslan was also outside sitting in his car but the police did not approach him.

Instead they waited for the MSP to leave and then monitored his movements.

Arslan didn’t follow her and denies he ever had any intention of stalking her.

He said: “I told the police I was watching the kebab shop next door.

“I wanted to buy the shop with a friend and was there on a number of occasions including at night-time when the office was closed to see how many people were using it.

“I told the police that in the car on the way to the police station and in the interview.”

It’s understood the First Minister gave two interviews to the police almost a month apart.

It was only on the second occasion she confirmed his actions caused her to feel fear or alarm.

Arslan said: “I was in my bed when the police burst into the flat. I think there were four of them.

“As soon as I confirmed my name, a policeman grabbed my arm and pushed me. It was over the top.

“They asked me if I wanted a lawyer during the questioning at the station. I told them I’d nothing to hide, I’d committed no crime, so why would I need one.

“I’ve not stopped looking over my shoulder since I was arrested.”

Arslan’s lawyer Ruben Murdanaigum confirmed he and his client were considering their options.

He said: “Firstly I am glad the ordeal is over

for my client, who can now concentrate on his health and getting his life back on track.

“Once we have taken stock of the situation in its entirety, we’ll decide if it’s appropriate to take the matter further.”

A Crown Office spokesman said: “It is the duty of the Crown to keep cases under review and, after full and careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case, the Procurator Fiscal decided there should be no further proceedings taken at this time.

“The Crown reserves the right to proceed in the future should further evidence become available.”

Police Scotland said they would not comment on the matter until receiving formal notification of the complaint.