Plebgate Trial: Andrew Mitchell 'No Slouch' at Swearing, Says Sir Bob Geldof

Explosive claims at the heart of the 'Plebgate' affair were "a web of lies and deceit" spun by police officers, Andrew Mitchell told a court.

Giving evidence on the opening day of a libel trial which he brought, Mitchell did admit he swore at police guarding Downing Street during the infamous spat in 2012.

Former chief whip of the Conservative Party, Mitchell heard himself accused of having a bullying nature and of consistently being rude and condescending.

LiveAid frontman Sir Bob Geldof said Mitchell was "no slouch" at swearing, in a witness statement read out at the Royal Courts of Justice.

The Tory MP also revealed his shock at how long the 'Plebgate' scandal lasted, branding it a "s***storm." He said the damaging affair destroyed his political career.

Mitchell lost his post as the government's chief enforcer only weeks after being appointed, over allegations he called police officers plebs at the gates of Downing Street.

Mitchell is suing The Sun newspaper over reports he called an armed officer a "f****** pleb" and a "moron."

He is being counter-sued by police officer Toby Rowland - who supplied the quotes to The Sun - over accusations he made of fabricating evidence and inventing allegations.

The Sun is defending its story as 'substantially true.'

In court, Mitchell admitted having a temper under questioning from Rowland's lawyer. He also admitted he used foul language too often.

"I do not deny I have a temper sometimes, but I do deny I am quick to lose it [...] I am capable of using bad language, I use it too much. I am someone who uses bad language from time to time," he said.

"I would never call a policeman a pleb, let alone a f****** pleb."