We represented a client who was unlawfully detained for almost 24 hours due to faulty electronic tagging equipment.
The Unlawful Detention
Our client was at home when officers attended his address and arrested him for allegedly breaching his bail conditions. He was handcuffed and taken into custody, where he remained overnight.
The alleged breach was based on data from his electronic tag, which indicated that he had been absent from his address. Our client consistently maintained that he had fully complied with his bail conditions.
He was produced before the court the following day. However, he was released due to lost paperwork. Unlawful detention of this nature can give rise to a claim for false imprisonment, as the state has a strict duty to ensure that individuals are not deprived of their liberty without lawful justification.
Our Approach
Once instructed, we pursued a claim for false imprisonment in respect of approximately 21 hours of unlawful detention. The case involved both the police force and the company responsible for the electronic monitoring system.
We identified that the detention was based on inaccurate tagging data. We advanced the legal basis of the claim and the losses suffered by our client. The matter was resolved carefully to account for both parties. The claim ultimately settled for £10,500.
Our client was represented by Solicitor, Natalie Acheampong-Sarpong.
This case demonstrates that electronic monitoring systems can produce errors, and reliance on such data can lead to unlawful arrests.
False imprisonment occurs when a person is unlawfully restrained or detained without legal justification. In this case, our client maintained that his arrest and detention were based on incorrect information.
Yes. Electronic monitoring systems can occasionally produce inaccurate readings due to technical faults, signal issues, or human error.
Yes, but it must be handled carefully. When multiple parties contribute to a wrongful act, claims can be brought against each—but legal strategy is needed.
