Request for authorisation to settle a claim against the MPS

The DMPC agree a request for authorisation to settle a civil claim against the MPS, as set out in the part 2 report.

The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime has the discretion to authorise the settlement of a civil claim where it would be conducive to the maintenance of an efficient and effective police force.

The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime authorises the settlement of a civil claim up to a maximum amount, as identified in part 2 of this report.

1. Introduction and background

1.1. The claimants allege wrongful arrest, false imprisonment, assault and malicious prosecution arising out of their arrest on 1 April 2013. The claimants were charged with the offence of assaulting police officers in the execution of their duty. The claimants were prosecuted and were acquitted by Highbury Magistrates’ Court on 27 June 2013

1.2. The claimants allege that they have sustained psychiatric injuries as a result of their arrests, detention and prosecution. One of the claimants also alleges that they sustained a number of orthopaedic injuries as a result of the incident. Medical evidence has been served in support of the personal injury claims.

2. Financial Comments

2.1. The cost of any settlement, if agreed, would be met from the centrally held MPS third party claims provision budget.

3. Legal Comments

3.1. Pursuant to the MOPAC Scheme of Consent and Delegation 2016, MOPAC must authorise the settlement because it fulfils the criteria set out in section 4.10 of the Scheme including the financial level.

3.2. The DMPC has the power to authorise any sum required in connection with the settlement for any claim made against the Commissioner under Section 88 of the Police Act 1996.

3.3. There is an open and exempt report as some of the information relates to data protection, is commercially sensitive and is legal professional privileged.

4. Equality Comments

4.1. To continue policing with the consent of the population it serves, the police will always seek to treat everyone fairly and openly. Race or equality issues do not appear to have an impact in this matter.

5. Background/supporting papers

5.1. Part two exempt report