Rose Docherty, a 75-year-old anti-abortion campaigner, is considering suing Police Scotland after she was cleared of violating buffer zone laws outside a Glasgow hospital. She was the first person charged under controversial legislation that bans protests within 650 feet of abortion clinics.
Case Dismissed
Mrs Docherty, a grandmother, was arrested twice for standing near the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital holding a sign reading: 'Coercion is a crime, here to talk, only if you want.' She did not approach or speak to anyone about abortion. The charges were dismissed by Sheriff Stuart Reid last month, and the Crown Office has not appealed.
Mrs Docherty stated: 'Peaceful expression, which is protected by national and international law, can never be a crime. The authorities should learn from their failed attempts to censor me.' She added that she is consulting her legal team about possible action to prevent repeated arrests for exercising free speech.
Legal Action Considered
The potential lawsuit against Police Scotland concerns the nature of her arrest and interference with her right to free speech. After her first arrest in February 2025, prosecutors discontinued the action, but she was charged again following a second protest in September. During her detention, she was held for several hours and denied a chair despite having a double hip replacement.
Jeremiah Igunnubole, a lawyer from ADF International supporting her, said: 'Although Rose has been vindicated, she should never have been arrested.'
Responses
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said it 'notes the decision of the court and will consider it carefully.' A Police Scotland spokesman stated: 'We take the health and safety of those who come into our custody seriously. Everyone goes through a detailed vulnerability assessment and is asked questions about their health and any individual needs to ensure they are provided with facilities they may require.'
The 2024 buffer zone law has attracted criticism, including from US Vice President JD Vance.
