The Claimant approached a number of police officers as they sought to detain the occupants of a vehicle stopped near a public house. The Claimant initially attempted to assist the police by identifying the individual who had been the driver of the vehicle, but quickly became aggressive and abusive. The officers attempted to arrest the Claimant for a section 5 Public Order Act 1986 but he violently resisted arrest, striking an officer three times to the side of his head. The Claimant was detained and complained of a pain in his leg. He was taken to a local hospital where it was found to have been broken in the course of the arrest.

The Claimant was charged with the section 5 offence but was acquitted after trial.

The Claimant brought an action for assault , unlawful detention and malicious prosecution.

During the civil jury trial the Claimant discontinued his claim after being cross-examined by Matthew Holdcroft. The Judge stated that the cross-examination had "demolished" the Claimant’s credibility and awarded costs to the Defendant.

Matthew Holdcroft has extensive experience in civil actions against the police.