Claims against the police

James-Bowen v Commissioner of Police for The Metropolis [2016] EWCA Civ 1217

Counsel: For the appellants: Nicholas Bowen QC, David LemerFor the respondent: John Beggs QC, Cecily WhiteSolicitors: For the appellants: Pattinson & BrewerFor the respondent: Weightmans LLP

In a case which has interesting implications for other professional people, the Court of Appeal has held, on a preliminary issue, that a claim for damages for economic and reputational harm against the Police Commissioner by four police officers should proceed to trial. It was at least arguable that the Commissioner been in breach of his duty to protect the interests of the officers when he had settled a claim brought by an individual who claimed to have been assaulted during his arrest by the officers.