[no subject]

WHO'S ARMY Jan 15 2003
 
Ex-SAS men guard Townshend amid fears of vigilante
attack
 
By Chris Hughes And Fiona Cummins
  
CHILD net porn suspect Peter Townshend has hired a
team of ex-SAS soldiers and paras to protect him from
vigilantes.

Three men arrived at the Who star's #8million home
yesterday to check out the 12-bedroom mansion.
 
They were the advance party of a group of eight former
military men from London security firm Northbridge
Services, said to be the best in the world at close
protection.

The group is understood to be charging #2,000 a day to
guard the star at his home in Richmond, West London.

Townshend, 57, arrested on Monday over paedophile
picture claims, brought in the minders as his brother
told of the family's shock.

Paul Townshend, 46, said the dad-of-three was "keeping
his spirits up" after being grilled for 80 minutes by
detectives probing the allegations.

He spoke to his brother shortly after he was released
on bail from Twickenham police station.

Paul said: "He was absolutely exhausted and could
hardly talk.

"But Pete said there was nothing to worry about
because there's nothing on his computer." Townshend
was held on suspicion of possessing and making
indecent images of children and incitement to
distribute them.

Paul said: "It was a bombshell for everyone, to accuse
him of making a film. He knows he's innocent.

"I did think at one stage the police may have come up
with these extra charges to take the heat off the fact
they are also being investigated."

Townshend's mum Betty, 79, last night added: "Pete
phoned me at 1.30am. He sounded tired and upset. It is
between him and the police. But I am not worried about
him."

The guitarist returned to his home at 1.55pm
yesterday. Wearing a black bomber jacket, he looked
shattered but managed a wave at reporters.

Townshend, bailed until January 28, insists he looked
at the internet porn images for research purposes.


=====
-Brian in Atlanta
The Who This Month!
http://www.thewhothismonth.com
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