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Victim of identity fraud is paid compensation by Metropolitan Police Service after wrongful arrest

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In 2012, "R" was a victim of fraud. A vehicle that appeared to have been registered in his name was used in an offence of fraud in Essex.

Essex Police compiled still images of the offence from CCTV footage, which included a photograph of a man who appeared to be of Asian origin who was involved in the crime, and supplied the information to the Metropolitan Police. Essex Police asked the Metropolitan Police to use the photographs when identifying the perpetrator and making their arrest.

R, who is of Indian origin, was at the home of a family member when Met Police officers arrived. He was arrested and handcuffed in front of his wife, who was extremely distressed and followed them to the police station where she had to wait for several hours.

R was detained at the police station for over 12 hours before officers from Essex Police arrived. The officer from Essex Police who had compiled the images said that when he saw R, he knew immediately that he was not the man in the photograph.

These events were deeply upsetting and embarrassing for R and his family. He brought claims in false imprisonment and assault and battery against the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis and alleged, as an aggravating feature of his claim, that the treatment of him by Met Police officers was discriminatory. The case settled, with the Metropolitan Police agreeing to pay R damages and costs.

R was represented by Ruth Mellor at Saunders Law and Una Morris of Garden Court Chambers.

Civil Actions Against the Police Specialist Legal Advice

At Saunders Law, we offer expert legal assistance and representation in civil claims against the police, including for false imprisonment, assault, malicious prosecution, and under the Human Rights Act. We can also assist you in making a complaint against the officers involved. We're well-known for actions against the police and other state authorities, and take a thorough and determined approach to cases, working hard to ensure that you obtain the appropriate level of damages for the wrong that you have suffered. All of our solicitors within the Civil Liberties and Actions against the Police Department have extensive experience in this area.

For a free, no-obligation, initial discussion to see if we might be able to help, please contact us on 020 3811 3592 or make an enquiry online.

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