Demi Drury
Salaried Partner, Head of Claimant Litigation for PI, Actions Against the Police & Public Authorities & related claims
Demi is a Salaried Partner and heads our Claimant Litigation for personal injury and actions against the Police and public authorities. Demi has developed extensive expertise over the last 14 years in complex civil claims against the police and other public bodies acting for clients across England & Wales, which have included high value and legally challenging cases before Judge and Jury. Demi has experience of dealing with, false imprisonment claims resulting from an unlawful stop and search or arrest, trespass to property, assault/excessive force claims, data privacy breaches, malicious prosecution, misfeasance in public office, discrimination and human rights actions.
Alongside her caseload, Demi has experience of leading a team of Solicitors in a supervisory capacity which supports the development of junior members of the team. Demi has an extensive track record of securing significant settlements for clients, often in cases where liability has been denied. Her ability to build compelling cases and negotiate from a position of strength has frequently resulted in significant compensation without the need for trial. Where cases cannot be resolved, Demi has extensive experience of the Court process and is prepared to take matters through to trial.
She has represented a number of clients at trial before a single Judge or Jury. Demi has also frequently represented clients at pre-action disclosure applications where documents/evidence are withheld by the public body.
Demi is recognised for her professional, efficient and client focused approach. Demi’s practice is focused on determination, meticulous preparation and willingness to pursue difficult cases over the long term where necessary. Her experience, leadership of a specialist department have established her as a leading solicitor in the field of civil actions against the police.
Education & Qualifications
LPC, Liverpool John Moores University, 2015
LLB (Hons), Liverpool John Moores University, 2013
Notable Experience or Interests Outside of Law
Demi enjoys travel and is a fan of Liverpool Football Club, Demi enjoys playing football at the weekend. Demi is also involved in the Speed Mooting events by way of being a Judge for their annual mooting Competition which gives aspiring lawyers a chance to engage in advocacy.
Former client – “I would like to express my most sincere thanks …. in particular Ms Demi Drury.
I did not think that such professionalism still existed anymore. I am pleased to say that I found it with… Ms Drury.
You are able to see the case, it was and still is extremely raw, but the conduct, support and care that I received kept me sane when I faced a Police service that I no longer recognise.
I really don’t think that I would have kept my sanity if it were not for Ms Drury, keeping me going when all seemed dark. Her professionalism, knowledge and understanding is exceptional…..”
Former Client – “Thank you to yourself Demi for humoring me and my nervous talkative nature, you are knowledgeable beyond your years.”
Former Client – “You will never fully know the gratitude and respect J and I have for you after your monumental efforts in helping us achieve justice in our marathon pursuit of the Transport Police. From day one you have been a fantastic asset, always giving sound advice, encouragement and the benefit of your experience. You have always been there when I needed you, returning endless phone calls and explaining things in that very articulate way. Smart, composed, dignified and very capable!”
Police Action Lawyers Group
R (On the application of P) v Chief Constable of Gwent Police – Demi was involved in the successful application in the High Court. Demi sought to judicially review a decision for a Court ordered warrant on behalf of Gwent Police. As a result, the warrant was quashed and she obtained damages for her client for false imprisonment, trespass to property and person.
M v Chief Constable of North Wales Police – Following a 5-day multi-track trial before a Judge and 8 panel Jury, Demi represented Mr M who was awarded damages for false imprisonment as the arrest was deemed unnecessary.
F v Chief Constable of Kent Police – Demi represented Mr F who was at home with his child when 2 Kent police officers attended and entered his home. Mr F was assaulted by PAVA spray and a taser. He was later arrested for breach of the peace. Kent Police defended the case up to trial and Demi was successful in securing the Claimant over £100,000 in damages for his injuries and the imprisonment he suffered together with his legal costs. Demi secured a finding from the Court that Mr F’s arrest was unlawful and consequently the use of force was an assault.
C v Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis – Demi acted for Mr C who was on his way to work in his work van when he was stopped by 3 Metropolitan Police officers and dragged out of his van with force. The Metropolitan Police said Mr C was in a stolen van, which later transpired to be incorrect after the Mr C had been injured and detained in handcuffs face down. It was Mr C’s case that he could have simply been asked questions and spoken to as opposed to being treated so aggressively. After a 5 day Jury trial in Central London, the jury agreed and Demi was able to recover over £60,000 in damages for Mr C’s injuries and the imprisonment he suffered together with his legal costs. Demi secured a finding from the Court that Mr C’s detention was unlawful and consequently the use of force was an assault.
D v Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis – Demi was instructed by Mr D who was stopped and searched for drugs in Southeast London when he was retrieving baby food from a nearby shop for his child. After a 5-day trial in Central London before His Honour Judge Freeland KC and a Jury, it was found that the searching officer did not honestly suspect Mr D was in possession of drugs nor did he inform Mr D all of the requirements found under section 2 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. The Court therefore ordered that Mr D’s stop and search was unlawful and over £60,000 was obtained in damages for the imprisonment together with his legal costs.
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