Case Dropped Against Wheelie Bins Protester

Had taken part in Brentford protest outside Council leader's house

The case against Brentford resident Paul Slattery, arrested for his part in a wheelie bin protest, has been dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). It was due to be heard in court on Tuesday (5 July).

Paul Slattery was present when there was an angry confrontation between protestors and Cllr Steve Curran on 19 November. Wheelie bins had been piled up outside the councillor's house by people who were objecting to their imposition across the borough.

Paul Slattery addressing a meeting recently

Mr Slattery was arrested two days later and questioned under Section 42A(1) of Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001, for the "offence of harassment etc. of a person in his home"

The Crown Prosecution Service informed Mr Slattery, a 65-year old photographer, via his solicitor that they did not wish to proceed.

"The decision to discontinue these charges has been taken because there is not enough evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction".

Cllr Steve Curran, Leader of Hounslow Council, said: “The CPS has decided not to proceed further with this case which was due to be held in court tomorrow.

“Clarification as to the reasons for this decision are being sought as it was the CPS who decided to take this to court in the first place.

“While I firmly believe in the right to protest, myself and my family felt threatened outside our home and that is why I called 999. I believe anyone faced with similar circumstances would act in the same way.”

July 4, 2016