IT all seemed so simple. After all, it fitted in with our preconceived ideas. On one hand, we had a public school-educated representative of a government notoriously unable to engage with ordinary people.

On the other, that stereotype of solid respectability, the long-suffering British bobby, abused for only doing his job.

The problem is that we now know what happened at the gates of Downing Street on September 19, last year, was not so much a perfect fit as a perfect fit-up.

So, here we are, a year on and a third of a million pounds poorer. While it would be wrong to say we’re none the wiser, I am sure we could all find a better use for the public time and money expended on the Andrew Mitchell “Plebgate” affair.

Don’t think that this week’s events are an end to the matter which has now called in to question the judgement of individual officers, three chief constables, the Police Federation, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and senior civil servants.

I believe the biggest twist is yet to come. I believe the end result will be a dramatic shift of resources and responsibilities from police forces to the IPCC, which will in turn make effective policing in a time of austerity still harder.

And while that may be an unintended consequence, believe me, it is one that will be welcomed by many in government.

We got here by the usual route. People dissembled.

People made judgements based on incomplete or flawed evidence. They asked the wrong questions, or were given the wrong brief. No one looked beyond the immediate consequences of their actions and decisions.

And as on so many political journeys these days, there was a hijack.

Because like every incident in an age of 24- hour media, there has to be a sub-plot. In this case, police cuts. So in stepped the Police Federation, with disastrous results.

A roomful of MPs in a state of righteous indignation is rarely a pretty sight, but listening to serving police officers dissecting statements like some professors of linguistics as they desperately try to avoid the consequences of their ill-judged behaviour isn’t much better.

The truth, or as near as we will get to it, was unearthed by the much-maligned media, doing its job properly and of course with the help of CCTV – a reminder of the importance of technology in uncovering falsehood and wrongdoing.

So, does it end with Mr Mitchell rehabilitated, the police officers disgraced and the chief constables eyeing early retirement?

If only it was so simple.

There has been talk for a year about giving the IPCC more powers and resources to extend its investigating remit. I have no doubt that it isn’t currently fit for the purpose ministers want it to fulfil. I am equally certain that after Plebgate it has a large credibility advantage over the police, which it will use.

But the power shift will, in my view, fundamentally weaken the independence of chief constables, and the shift in resources will hit frontline policing at a time of unparalleled pressures. It will take millions out of budgets.

And if you think that many senior people in government are worried about that, I would simply say, think again.

Many politicians see the police – and the fire service – as major obstacles to what they regard as public service reform. The advantage at the moment is with them and they will exploit it ruthlessly. Be warned.