Background
Shannon Jenkins, Trainee Solicitor within the Actions Against Police Department, has successfully represented a client in a claim for compensation against North Yorkshire Police.
In the early hours of the 5th of December, Mr R was asleep in his bed with the rest of his family in the house too when he was soon awakened by banging on his door. Alarmed by the noise, Mr R got out of bed, made his way downstairs where he opened his door to be met by police officers from North Yorkshire police. Mr R allowed the officers to enter his home before he was then informed that he was under arrest for ‘maliciously administering poison with intent to injure, aggrieve or annoy any other person’ (spiking someone). Shocked by the allegations put to him, Mr R explained that they had the wrong guy, but nonetheless complied with the officers when escorting him into their police vehicle. Unbeknownst to Mr R, the police, had been provided with a picture of the suspect prior to attending the property and were also advised that he had a distinctive tattoo on his arm, neither of which matched Mr R’s description. It was not then until some way into the journey to the police station that the officers decided to look at the picture and thereafter check if Mr had a tattoo. Unsurprisingly, the officers soon realised that they had arrested the wrong person. Realising their mistake, the officers returned Mr R home and advised him that no further action would be taken against him.
Representation
After experiencing the above, Mr R approached specialist Actions Against the Police Solicitors, Irvings Law, for assistance. Miss Jenkins immediately acknowledged that Mr R had suffered a wrongdoing and had in fact been a victim of mistake identify. Ms Jenkins then sent a letter of claim to North Yorkshire Police highlighting their failings.
Outcome
After doing so, North Yorkshire Police immediately responded admitting liability for the wrongdoing that Mr R had endured. In doing so, a global offer of £1,300.00 was made inclusive of legal costs, which was rejected in line with Ms Jenkins’ advice. After further negotiations then ensued, an offer was accepted and the case was settled at £,2,500.00 plus payment of our legal costs.
