A Nottingham freelance photographer who was arrested in March last year on suspicion of obstruction has yet again had his court case postponed – due to a strike at the courts.
Alan Lodge, who is next due to appear in court on 11 May to find out when his case will be heard, has been awaiting trial for over a year since he was arrested and had his camera confiscated while taking pictures of an armed police response unit.
His next trip to court will be his tenth appearance over the matter. Lodge, who has always denied he broke the law, was given unconditional bail.
His case was originally adjourned because his defence solicitors had not been give access to a memory stick which was said to contain vital evidence.
Related
Ironically prior to Lodge's arrest last year, he was involved in agreeing a protocol with Nottinghamshire Police and the NUJ, which stated that the police had no right to arrest a photographer for taking photographs.
Point number seven of the protocol states: "Police officers do not have the authority to prevent a person taking a photograph or to confiscate cameras or film, and such conduct could result in criminal, civil or disciplinary action."
The NUJ is paying for Lodge's legal defence. The union has also provided him with a mobile phone and a rented camera while continuing to campaign for the return of his property.
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
