By Gavin Mackintosh-
An anti-monarchist is taking legal action against the police force that detained him for shouting at King Charles’ proclamation last year.
Symon Hill, 46, shouted ‘who elected him’ during the civic ceremony outside Carfax Tower last September, before allegedly being bundled away by security guards then placed in handcuffs by Thames Valley officers policing the event.
He was subsequently charged with disorderly behaviour, but the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the allegations before he could enter not guilty pleas. The CPS said it was not in the public interest to prosecution him.
In the wake of wide scrutiny on police judgement in arresting protesters during the king’s coronation, Mr. Hill is now taking action
Mr Hill is working with campaign group Liberty to take legal action against Thames Valley Police, claiming wrongful arrest. A formal pre-action letter is to be sent to the force this month.
In the event the police refuse to settle out of court, a court battle could set an important precedent with regards how police and the public view the rights of protesters.
The Metropolitan Police has defended its policing of the coronation. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said last week: “Protest is an important right in any democracy, but it is limited and has to be carefully balanced alongside consideration for the rights of others so they too can go about their normal business – in this case participating in a once in a generation event.
“Parliament has created laws requiring police to act to bring this careful balance.”