Law firm break new ground

Gerrards Cross solicitors BP Collins were involved in a landmark case, and were instrumental in the Court of Appeal's ruling, which means that now, for the first time, anyone complaining to the police about an alleged criminal incident will now be protected from the possibility of being sued by the person they accuse from the moment they make the complaint.

BP Collins partner Matthew Brandis said:

"This is a very important ruling and a victory for freedom of speech. It is everybody's right to be able to make a complaint to the police without fear of being sued in relation to that complaint and now the Court of Appeal has made it crystal clear where the law stands."

A magistrate who tried to sue his former daughter-in-law for defamation lost his case after the Court of Appeal made a ground breaking ruling last week.

Richard Westcott attempted to sue Dr Sarah Westcott, of Roberts Lane, Chalfont St Peter, over allegations that he assaulted her and his baby grandson following her split from his son Edward in 2005.

Dr Westcott alleged that on Good Friday, 2005, she visited her father-in-law at his home in Worcester with her son Daniel.

She claimed that an argument broke out and that Mr Westcott lashed out at her, injuring the baby.

He was interviewed but not prosecuted over the alleged incident, and decided to try and sue for defamation in an attempt to clear his name.