We are not surprised that police are reluctant to tell us how much it cost to investigate the antics of Gabriel, the Bonn Square tree man.

It has taken them eight months to come to a monumental decision - that he shouldn't be charged with anything.

Gabriel earned notoriety when he climbed a tree as work on the controversial redevelopment of the square began.

Police had officers on duty in the square while he was there and after he came down.

Add to that the cost of investigating the case since, and we no doubt have a tidy sum.

Council taxpayers, who will ultimately pay the bill, should be told how much.

If Gabriel had been given a ticking off and sent on his way immediately, it would have saved everyone a lot of time, effort and money.