A Hertfordshire couple has received a substantial payout from police after being wrongfully arrested in front of their young daughter over criticisms made in a parents' WhatsApp group.
The Arrest and Detention
Rosalind Levine and Maxie Allen were detained by six officers from Hertfordshire Police on 29 January. The arrest occurred at their home in Borehamwood and was witnessed by their daughter. The couple was subsequently held in custody for 11 hours on suspicion of harassment and malicious communications.
The situation developed from a dispute with Cowley Hill Primary School in Borehamwood. Mr Allen and Ms Levine had raised concerns and criticisms through multiple emails to the school and within a private parents' WhatsApp group. The police response to the school's complaint led to the dramatic arrest.
Police Admission and Payout
Initially, Hertfordshire Police defended the decision to arrest the couple. However, the force later made a significant admission, confirming that the arrest was unlawful because the legal test for necessity had not been met.
As a result, the couple has agreed to a £20,000 payout in damages, plus legal costs, from Hertfordshire Police. The force has accepted full liability for the wrongful arrest and the subsequent detention.
Family Impact and Aftermath
The incident has had a profound effect on the family. The couple's eldest child has epilepsy, adding a layer of vulnerability to an already traumatic situation. Being arrested in their own home in front of their child was a deeply distressing experience.
This case raises serious questions about police conduct and the proportionality of response to communications made in private online forums. The substantial payout and admission of liability from the police underscore the severity of the procedural failure in this instance.
