Daniel Barker’s exit was neither that of a dignified politician, nor was it subtle and unnoticed.
As the officers dragged him away down the street, he let out a sickening and tormented cry, immediately drawing the attention of anyone within earshot of Borough Market. He was quickly led down the street, underneath the railway bridge and in the direction of the main road. As they passed under the bridge, Barker’s screams echoed off the walls, building in volume as they marched closer towards the steady stream of traffic.
By the time they’d reached the main road, a crowd had gathered around the moving mass of police officers as people began to recognise Barker. Camera phones were raised and numerous selfies and videos were taken to capture the event for the whole world to see.
Giles smiled to herself in satisfaction. The long and embarrassing march of the man who was so nearly been Britain’s Prime Minister would be replayed on social media and video streaming sites for days to come. People would make memes out of it, upload sad music behind it or insert a random cutaway of a screaming goat so that they could mock Barker for years to come.
Barker knew it as well.
He struggled hard against his police escorts, staring into phones and cameras as he passed them, loudly proclaiming his innocence. With his hands cuffed tightly behind his back and his eyes blazing with fury, he no longer gave off the impression of a man in control – he was little more than a wild beast.
The sound of his screams could be heard long after the sound of passing traffic began to drown them out. It was only then that he ceased struggling and reluctantly began to walk in pace with the arresting officers as he was led to a nearby patrol car. The crowd of interested onlookers swarmed around them, capturing every moment for posterity.