The Crown Prosecution Service has discontinued charges of aggravated trespass against 109 UK Uncut activists who occupied Fortnum & Mason in March, saying prosecutions are no longer in the public interest. Alison Saunders, chief crown prosecutor for CPS London, said the decision followed a review of evidence and representations from defence teams.
The Guardian has revealed that the senior officer at the heart of policing the demonstration deceived protesters into a mass arrest. Chief inspector Claire Clark admitted she was told by commanding officers that everyone inside the building would be arrested, but ten minutes later at 5.50pm assured demonstrators they would be allowed to leave unhindered. Video footage shows Clark telling a crowd: "We are getting ready to let you go."
More than 150 activists were arrested on 26 March despite the demonstration being described as non-violent and "sensible". They were handcuffed as they left the store and taken to police stations across London, where some were held in cells for up to 24 hours. Personal items and clothes were taken for evidence. Five minors, including a 15-year-old, were held overnight; their cases were dropped almost three weeks ago.
Thirty activists still face charges and will appear in court from November. Thirteen have denied the charges; the other 17 are expected to do likewise on 25 July. A letter from defence solicitors Bindmans criticised Clark's assurances, arguing that continuing the prosecution would be an abuse of process.
Clark defended her actions, saying she feared a breach of the peace if she told the peaceful activists they would all be arrested. The Metropolitan Police declined to comment because of outstanding trials. During the same evening, "black bloc" protesters broke into banks and damaged the Ritz hotel; Fortnum's also suffered some damage.
