DISAPPOINTMENT has been expressed by Essex Police over the High Court's judgement to award Lord Hanningfield £3,500 in damages.
The 72-year-old Tory peer won a landmark victory yesterday (Friday, 15 February) in his damages claim against Essex Police.
He claimed that his arrest by the force over his alleged fraudulent use of the corporate credit card while he was leader of Essex County Council was unlawful and unnecessary.
Mr Justice David Eady ruled that the chief constable of Essex Police had failed to meet the requirements of "necessity" for a summary arrest.
But Essex Police said in a statement released yesterday that they are "disappointed with today's judgment and are considering the merits of appealing the decision."
"We note that the court accepted that officers had acted in good faith and that they had honestly believed the arrest was necessary."
"The decision to arrest is never taken lightly and we recognise the right of individuals to challenge such decisions before the Courts."