Hodge Jones & Allen

PRESS RELEASE

28th March 2011

 

Solicitors acting for protestors arrested at Fortnum & Mason questioned the process by which police had started their investigation.

 

A large number of protestors were arrested at the central London store for aggravated trespass and criminal damage. They were taken to various police stations throughout central London.

 

It is normal practice for arrested persons to be questioned in a recorded interview about their involvement in any potential offence; however in these cases, the police dispensed with this normal routine. Instead suspects were detained for several hours before being asked one question and proceeding to charge.

 

No information was given to defence lawyers about why individuals were arrested, apart from the fact that they were part of a group at Fortnum & Mason.

 

Raj Chada, a partner at Hodge Jones Allen LLP raised concerns that each case had not been looked at on its merits and that it was clear that there were already significant legal problems with any prosecutions based on "aggravated trespass".

 

He said "We have previously warned on the criminalisation of certain acts of peaceful protest and that is what we are worried about here. We are seeking urgent information from the CPS about certain aspects of the case against our clients. On the information that we have to date, many of them should not have been arrested, let alone face the anguish of court proceedings several weeks away."

 

If anyone has been arrested at the protests on Saturday 26 March or previously, contact Hodge Jones & Allen LLP on the 24 hour police emergency number: 07659 111 192 or Raj Chada directly on 020 7874 8367 to discuss whether your actions could amount to a charge under this section.