Alfie Meadows: Metropolitan Police issue significant compensation and formal apology for serious injuries sustained by university student at Parliament Square tuition fees protest

Philosophy student at Middlesex University Alfie Meadows suffered a life-threatening brain injury after he was struck on the head with a baton by a police officer at a protest against university tuition fees in Parliament Square on 9 December 2010.

Over 12½ years after Alfie’s arrest for his part in the protests, the Metropolitan Police has agreed to a significant sum of compensation and issued a formal apology for the life-altering impact of the actions of a police officer during its operation at the protest.

Alfie underwent emergency brain surgery following his arrest after the protest. His studies, career and mental health were deeply impacted by several ensuing prosecutions, as well as a lengthy investigation by the IOPC and judicial review challenge against police misconduct proceedings brought by the City of London police. Alfie was finally unanimously acquitted of all charges against him in 2013.

In a formal letter of apology, the Metropolitan Police conceded an acknowledgement that Alfie had been a peaceful member of the students protesting that day, and had not acted aggressively towards any police officer. There was express acknowledgement that the life-threatening baton strike to Alfie’s head during the protest was dangerous and unjustified. However to date, there have been no assurances as to whether the unidentified police officer responsible for the striking blow to Alfie’s head will be held to account, nor any affirmation to their identity.

Fiona Murphy KC was instructed by the team at Imran Khan Solicitors on behalf of Alfie Meadows, headed by Daniel Cooper. 

This case has been widely covered by The Guardian, The Independent, The BBC, and others.

For further enquiries, please contact our Senior Civil Clerk Sian Wilkins