Background

Mr Mathew McConville, Head of Irvings Law’s specialist Data Protection Department, has successfully represented a client in a claim for compensation against Nottinghamshire Police; the client wishes to remain anonymous for this report and so will be referred to as Mr P.

Mr P was charged in respect of several allegations following his attendance at a voluntary interview with Nottinghamshire Police where he provided his address and a DNA sample. Thereafter, Nottinghamshire Police admitted to sending a postal charge (later discontinued) to an incorrect address and losing such a DNA sample too. Given this, Mr P wished to take matters further.

Representation

As such, Mr P approached specialist Data Protection Solicitors, Irvings Law, for assistance. Mr McConville immediately acknowledged that what happened was completely wrong and without hesitation, offered to act for Mr P by way of “no win, no fee” presenting a claim to Nottinghamshire Police for a breach of human rights, data protection and misuse of private information.

Resolution

Despite the above concessions, Nottinghamshire Police forced Mr P to issue and serve Court proceedings but shortly before witness exchange, they then decided to engage in settlement negotiations. Following this, Mr P agreed to settle his claim for eight thousand pounds plus the payment of his legal costs.