Farleys were instructed on behalf of our client in connection with a claim against the Chief Constable of Lancashire Constabulary for damages for false imprisonment.
On the evening of 5 December 2018, our client was arrested for harassment and was taken to Blackburn Custody suite. The circumstances were that he was alleged to have made unwarranted contact with his ex-wife. Our client was compliant on arrival. Detention was authorised with grounds to obtain evidence by questioning. At 21:45 it was recorded that he was fit to be interviewed. He requested legal advice and was willing to use the Duty Solicitor.
Our client was detained overnight. At 10:09 the next morning a review was undertaken and further detention was authorised as necessary as an interview was required. At 11:44 he consulted with a solicitor and was transferred for interview at 12:01. He denied the harassment charge as his only contact with his ex-wife was with regards to child contact which he is allowed to do.
Eventually, at 14:28 our client was released without charge.
How Farleys’ Claims Against Public Authorities Department Helped
It was alleged that the length of detention was unreasonable and his detention was unlawful from the time of his arrest until his release from custody.
Farleys’ expert team alleged that the 17 hours he was held was an unreasonable amount of time and that he ought to have been released much earlier. Farleys sought redress by way of financial compensation for this action.
Our specialist solicitors were able to settle the claim prior to trial in our client’s favour. Following our investigations into liability and a detailed Letter of Claim being sent on behalf of our client, liability was admitted by Lancashire Constabulary.
Our client was awarded the sum of £3,750 and also successfully recovered his legal costs.