Police and Crime Bill

It is reported that the police and crime bill, if enacted, may see the greatest extension of police powers in our times.

Concerns have been raised about curtailments to the right to peaceful protest. New powers would allow the police to impose specific measures on demonstrations, or even ban events or marches that they decide have a risk of ‘serious disruption’.

A ‘serious disruption order’ would also preclude named individuals, including those without previous convictions, from participating or even encouraging participation in events.

Several new criminal offences would also be created. Trespass would move from being a civil to a criminal offence. Obstructing roads, railways, airports, oil refineries or a printing press would be punishable by up to 12 months in prison. Whilst attaching yourself to a person or object during a protest could see you imprisoned for up to 51 weeks. Damaging a statue or memorial would carry a sentence of up to 10 years (twice the maximum sentence a person may receive for reckless grievous bodily harm or causing death by careless driving).

If you are arrested at or in connection with a protest or demonstration, and you need specialist advice, please do not hesitate to contact our expert criminal law department on 01606 592159