R v GE (Basildon Crown Court)

The Defendant was acquitted of Assault on anEmergency Worker and Criminal Damage to the Police Officer’s watch.The Defendant was pursued and arrested by the officer following his refusal to provide details for a CoronavirusFixed Penalty Notice. On the first day of trial, successful representations were made that the Defendant’s arrest was unlawful following the High Court decision in Neale v DPP[2021]EWHC 658 (Admin), whereby it held that the Appellant was not under a statutory obligation pursuant to the Coronavirus Regulations to give his name and address to the police. The Prosecution ultimately offered no evidence in respect of all charges.