Plebgate: Andrew Mitchell was 'no slouch' when it came to swearing, Sir Bob Geldof says The court was told that Sir Bob Geldof, who worked closely with Mr Mitchell when he was International Development Secretary, had provided a statement testifying to this. Desmond Brown QC, representing Pc Rowland, said: "You are quick to lose your temper are you not, Mr Mitchell?" The MP replied: "I do not deny I have a temper sometimes, but I do deny I am quick to lose it." Mr Browne asked him if he had a "fondness for the F word. Mr Mitchell replied: "I am capable of using bad language, I use it too much. I am someone who uses bad language from time to time. Mr Browne said: "Sir Bob Geldof has given a witness statement in which he said he had a justified reputation for swearing and that you are no slouch yourself." The court was told that Tory peer Lord Coe had also given a statement describing Mr Mitchell's language as "fruity." Giving evidence Mr Mitchell admitted having sworn in Downing Street but denied using the toxic word "plebs." He told the court that after being refused permission to cycle through the main gates at Downing Street he told the officer: "I thought you lot were supposed to f****** help us." But he added: "I would never call a policeman a pleb, let alone a f****** pleb." James Price QC for Mr Mitchell said the police involved in this case were guilty of a "web of lies, deceit and indiscipline" which had destroyed his 27-year political career. The libel trial, which is expected to last for two weeks, continues.