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North activists make claim for compensation

Sep 27 2009 by Coreena Ford, Sunday Sun

However, when Mr Holmes finally faced court a year after the ugly scenes erupted at the June 2006 demo, he and 13 others walked free after a judge condemned police for unlawfully halting the protest.

All 14 were cleared of refusing police orders to break up the demonstration.

Now 15 members of Speak who were at the Oxford demonstration have lodged a writ in the High Court, in which they demand the six-figure sum from Thames Valley Police’s Chief Constable.

The claimants come from all parts of the UK, but North activists are represented by Mr Holmes and Kerry Duggan, of South Shields, South Tyneside.

Mr Holmes and Ms Duggan declined to comment on the civil action through their solicitors.

DCC Francis Habgood said: “Thames Valley Police is aware of the High Court writ served by 15 people in relation to a demonstration outside Oxford University in 2006.

“As legal proceedings are active, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”

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