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22/01/2013
Met Launch Appeal Over Discrimination Ruling
The Metropolitan police will launch an appeal today over a ruling of false imprisonment and discrimination of an autistic boy.
Police restrained the boy, known only as ZH, in handcuffs and leg restraints and placed him in a police after he had jumped into a swimming pool.
The boy’s father has criticised the force for challenging the judges ruling against them.
It is understood that ZH, who was 16 at the time of the incident in 2008, has severe autism and epilepsy with a mental age of five, and can react adversely if touched or approached by someone he does not know.
During a school trip to Acton Baths in west London ZH became fixated by the water and approached it, staying by the pool side for at least half an hour. His carers told swimming pool staff that his behaviour was consistent with his condition and that he had to be given time to move away of his own accord.
However, the pool manager called police. When officers tried to take hold of ZH he immediately jumped into the chest-deep water. Witnesses say he was not in trouble in the water and bobbed up and down excitedly.
But as police officers then tried to forcibly get him out, ZH became agitated and distressed. Soaking wet, he was eventually restrained by two pairs of handcuffs and leg restraints and locked into the cage compartment of a police van.
Central London County Court heard that the experience exacerbated ZH's epilepsy and he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
In a significant ruling against the Met, Judge Sir Robert Nelson found the force had subjected ZH to inhuman or degrading treatment and to unlawful discrimination because of his disability.
ZH was awarded almost £30,000 in damages.
(H)
Police restrained the boy, known only as ZH, in handcuffs and leg restraints and placed him in a police after he had jumped into a swimming pool.
The boy’s father has criticised the force for challenging the judges ruling against them.
It is understood that ZH, who was 16 at the time of the incident in 2008, has severe autism and epilepsy with a mental age of five, and can react adversely if touched or approached by someone he does not know.
During a school trip to Acton Baths in west London ZH became fixated by the water and approached it, staying by the pool side for at least half an hour. His carers told swimming pool staff that his behaviour was consistent with his condition and that he had to be given time to move away of his own accord.
However, the pool manager called police. When officers tried to take hold of ZH he immediately jumped into the chest-deep water. Witnesses say he was not in trouble in the water and bobbed up and down excitedly.
But as police officers then tried to forcibly get him out, ZH became agitated and distressed. Soaking wet, he was eventually restrained by two pairs of handcuffs and leg restraints and locked into the cage compartment of a police van.
Central London County Court heard that the experience exacerbated ZH's epilepsy and he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
In a significant ruling against the Met, Judge Sir Robert Nelson found the force had subjected ZH to inhuman or degrading treatment and to unlawful discrimination because of his disability.
ZH was awarded almost £30,000 in damages.
(H)
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14 February 2013
Met Lose Appeal Against Damages Awarded To Autistic Child
A legal bid to overturn damages awarded to an autistic teenager restrained by police after jumping into a swimming pool, has been rejected. The Met had appealed a ruling made last year that the Metropolitan Police officers had falsely imprisoned and discriminated against the boy, known only as ZH, and awarded him £28,250.
Met Lose Appeal Against Damages Awarded To Autistic Child
A legal bid to overturn damages awarded to an autistic teenager restrained by police after jumping into a swimming pool, has been rejected. The Met had appealed a ruling made last year that the Metropolitan Police officers had falsely imprisoned and discriminated against the boy, known only as ZH, and awarded him £28,250.
12 November 2014
Release Of Police Killer Described As 'Sickening'
The release of a man convicted of killing three unarmed police officers in 1966 has been described as "sickening". Harry Roberts, now aged 78, has been released from prison after serving 48 years for 1966 murders of three unarmed police officers in Shepherd's Bush in west London.
Release Of Police Killer Described As 'Sickening'
The release of a man convicted of killing three unarmed police officers in 1966 has been described as "sickening". Harry Roberts, now aged 78, has been released from prison after serving 48 years for 1966 murders of three unarmed police officers in Shepherd's Bush in west London.
29 August 2014
Major Police Hunt Launched After Boy Taken From Hospital
A major police hunt has begun after a five-year-old boy with a brain tumour, was taken by his family without consent from Southampton General Hospital. Police said that Ashya King was taken from the hospital by Brett King, 51, and Naghemeh King, 45, on Thursday. It is thought he may have been taken to France.
Major Police Hunt Launched After Boy Taken From Hospital
A major police hunt has begun after a five-year-old boy with a brain tumour, was taken by his family without consent from Southampton General Hospital. Police said that Ashya King was taken from the hospital by Brett King, 51, and Naghemeh King, 45, on Thursday. It is thought he may have been taken to France.
07 May 2014
'Skull Cracker' In Custody In London
Kent Police, in partnership with officers from the Metropolitan Police Service, have arrested two men in East London on suspicion of conspiracy to commit armed robbery. On 3 May, Kent Police began a search for Michael Wheatley, 55, who had failed to return to HMP Standford Hill after being released on temporary licence.
'Skull Cracker' In Custody In London
Kent Police, in partnership with officers from the Metropolitan Police Service, have arrested two men in East London on suspicion of conspiracy to commit armed robbery. On 3 May, Kent Police began a search for Michael Wheatley, 55, who had failed to return to HMP Standford Hill after being released on temporary licence.
11 June 2013
Riot Police Deployed As G8 Protesters Occupy Former Police Station
Some 100 riot police have been deployed in central London as protestors take to the streets to demonstrate ahead on the G8 summit being held in Northern Ireland next week. Officers were sent to Soho, where protesters are thought to have occupied a former police station on Beak Street.
Riot Police Deployed As G8 Protesters Occupy Former Police Station
Some 100 riot police have been deployed in central London as protestors take to the streets to demonstrate ahead on the G8 summit being held in Northern Ireland next week. Officers were sent to Soho, where protesters are thought to have occupied a former police station on Beak Street.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A mostly dry evening and night with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive, especially in the south. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
