A former banker whose name and photograph were published in connection with a rape allegation has won substantial damages against Essex Police at the High Court on 2 March 2015. The High Court awarded damages of over £67,000 to Anthony Crook for a breach of confidence, breach of his rights under the Data Protection Act 1998 and a breach of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (the right to privacy).
Mr Crook was represented by Una Morris, Garden Court Chambers, instructed by Nia Williams and Tessa Hutchinson, Saunders Law Ltd.
The case has been reported by the BBC, The Independent, Sky News, and also in the local press.
Anthony Crook was working in Dubai when his photograph was published by Essex Police in 2010 as one of the 10 "most wanted" in Essex for alleged rape. His image was published on the front cover of a local newspaper and similar details were released on local radio and TV stations, which subsequently spread to international media. No charges were ever brought against Mr Crook.
The High Court also made declarations that his rights under the Data Protection Act 1998 and under Article 8 (the right to private and family life) of the European Convention on Human Rights had been violated.
This case raises a number of important points of law on the release of sensitive personal data by the police in connection with alleged offences.
Una Morris is a member of the Garden Court Chambers actions against the police team.
