Victory for common sense
Written by Matt B · first published 02/01/2010
Police stupidity and overreaction has receaved a sound kick in the pants scoring a solid victory for common sense over paranoia.
Despite the fact that both the law and Association of Chief Police Officers guidelines make it abundantly clear that police are in no way allowed to even think about restricting or preventing the press from taking photographs it seems you can not go ten minutes without hearing about some similar illegal restriction of the free press by an officer of the law.
This was definitely the case for Andrew Handley of Milton Keynes who had been dispatched to the scene of an accident to take photographs for MKNews.
So much for the police enforcing the law, you might think. Fortunately for Andrew Handley this story has something of a happy ending as Andrew not only had his nominal criminal record torn up but
Read NUJ wins apology and damages for photojournalist for more on this story.
Despite the fact that both the law and Association of Chief Police Officers guidelines make it abundantly clear that police are in no way allowed to even think about restricting or preventing the press from taking photographs it seems you can not go ten minutes without hearing about some similar illegal restriction of the free press by an officer of the law.
This was definitely the case for Andrew Handley of Milton Keynes who had been dispatched to the scene of an accident to take photographs for MKNews.
Despite staying behind the police cordon the photojournalist was approached by a police sergeant who demanded he handed over the pictures and his camera.
Andrew explained he was perfectly within his rights to take photographs and contacted his editor who attempted to speak to the officer.
Instead he was arrested. His hands were cuffed behind his back, he was cautioned, had his finger prints and DNA taken. He was then detained for eight hours at Milton Keynes central police station.
So much for the police enforcing the law, you might think. Fortunately for Andrew Handley this story has something of a happy ending as Andrew not only had his nominal criminal record torn up but
has also won over £5,000 in damages for being unlawfully held in a cell.
Read NUJ wins apology and damages for photojournalist for more on this story.
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