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Activist wins legal fight after unlawful arrest at peaceful protest

Mick Bowman's six-hour detention exposed police overreach—now, a landmark admission could reshape protest rights. What does this mean for future demonstrations?

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The image shows a group of people standing on the ground, some of them holding a banner that reads...
The image shows a group of people standing on the ground, some of them holding a banner that reads "Free Palestine" in front of a building with windows and a signboard. There is also a pole in the background.

A retired mental health social worker has won a legal battle against Northumbria Police after his unlawful arrest at a peaceful protest. Mick Bowman, a community activist, was detained for six hours during a demonstration against Newcastle University’s ties with arms manufacturer Leonardo S.p.A. The police have now admitted their actions were illegal and violated his human rights. The incident took place in May 2024 at a Palestine solidarity protest. Bowman was arrested under suspicion of 'breach of peace', a preventative measure that cannot lead to a criminal conviction. Police used significant force, including a neck hold, and handcuffed him in public despite an injury. He was held for around six hours without being told why.

An internal police investigation later found no evidence to justify the arrest. Northumbria Police confirmed that the detention, the force used, and the violation of Bowman’s rights under Articles 8, 10, and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights were all unlawful.

Bowman, represented by lawyers Rachel Harger and Naz Mahmoudzadeh from Bindmans, argued that peaceful protest is essential for democracy. He stated that activists should be protected, not subjected to unlawful treatment. Harger added that the case highlights the need for policing that respects the right to protest.

Jason Hussein, Co-Chair of Newcastle Palestine Solidarity Campaign, welcomed the police’s admission. He stressed the importance of holding authorities accountable for their actions at demonstrations. Northumbria Police have acknowledged their wrongdoing in Bowman’s case. The admission confirms that his arrest, the force used, and the breach of his human rights were all unlawful. The outcome sets a precedent for how policing at protests should be scrutinised in future.

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