Peter Laverack successfully defends wrongful arrest and misfeasance claims

On Friday 16 June 2023, judgment was given in the defendant’s favour in Onyema v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.  The Claimant claimed that she was unlawfully arrested and falsely imprisoned by the Commissioner’s officers after she performed a “citizen’s arrest” on another woman, and that officers concealed evidence that would have shown the unlawfulness of her arrest.  She sued the Commissioner for false imprisonment and misfeasance in public office. His Honour Judge Saggerson at the County Court at Central London heard the matter over four days, at the conclusion of which the Claimant’s claims were dismissed in full. 

Peter was instructed by Plexus Law for the Commissioner.  He was instructed from the outset of the litigation – drafting the Defence and representing the Commissioner at various interim hearings, which resulted in the issues being narrowed prior to trial, an order recording that this was not a personal injury claim, and an order that trial be by judge alone (i.e. no jury).   After judgment, the Claimant was ordered to pay the Commissioner’s costs, with a substantial interim payment ordered.

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Related barristers

Peter Laverack

Call 2015

Related areas

Police Law

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