Met Police states that it won’t investigate non-crime hate incidents
(MENAFN) The Metropolitan Police has announced it will stop investigating non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs) so officers can “focus on matters that meet the threshold for criminal investigations.”
The decision coincides with the force’s confirmation that it has dropped its case against Father Ted creator Graham Linehan, who was arrested at Heathrow Airport on suspicion of inciting violence over posts made on X.
Linehan was detained by five officers on 1 September upon returning from the US, a move that drew widespread criticism from several public figures and politicians.
The Crown Prosecution Service later determined that “no further action” would be taken after a “careful review” of the evidence provided by police.
Addressing the matter on Monday, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said the force “understands the concern” surrounding the case. “The commissioner has been clear he doesn’t believe officers should be policing toxic culture war debates, with current laws and rules on inciting violence online leaving them in an impossible position,” the statement read.
The spokesperson added that the new policy would “provide clearer direction for officers, reduce ambiguity and enable them to focus on matters that meet the threshold for criminal investigations.”
Non-crime hate incidents refer to acts perceived as being driven by hostility or prejudice toward individuals with specific characteristics, such as race or transgender identity. While they do not amount to criminal offenses, they have been recorded since 2005 in line with Home Office guidance to monitor “hate incidents that could escalate into more serious harm.”
Linehan was arrested under the Public Order Act. In an email to his legal team, a Metropolitan Police detective wrote, “I am writing to inform you that following a review of the evidence by the Crown Prosecution Service, it has been determined that no further action will be taken in this matter. This decision means that no charges will be brought against Graham Linehan in relation to this allegation. Please note that this decision may be reconsidered if further evidence or information comes to light.”
Linehan and the Free Speech Union (FSU), a group advocating for free expression, have vowed to sue the Metropolitan Police for wrongful arrest and violation of his free speech rights.
Earlier, Westminster Magistrates’ Court had lifted all of Linehan’s bail conditions after FSU lawyers argued they were too vague. District Judge Snow agreed and ordered their immediate removal.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
