A photographer who was assaulted by the Metropolitan Police officers while covering a protest has won an apology and out of court settlement.
Marc Vallée also issued proceedings against commissioner of police for the Metropolis Sir Ian Blair for the ‘battery’and infringement of his freedom of expression which he claimed breached the Human Rights Act.
Vallée was covering the ‘Sack Parliament’protest in London’s Parliament Square in October 2006 when he received injuries that needed urgent medical attention and treatment after the assault.
His legal costs will also be met by the police.
Related
The solicitor representing Vallee Chez Cotton of Hickman and Rosesaid: ‘This was an extremely unpleasant incident. Neither the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police or his officers has any legal power, moral responsibility or political responsibility to prevent or restrict what the media record.
‘Mr. Vallée is a well-respected photojournalist, lawfully present to photograph a political protest outside parliament, yet he was brutally prevented from doing so by the police. It is right that Mr. Vallée has received an apology, an out of court settlement and that his legal costs will be met by the police.”
Content from our partners
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
