Farage’s Fury: Reform UK Goes Ahead and Launches Private Prosecution Over Manchester Airport Police Assault. But What Does it Actually Mean?

Frustrated by CPS delays, Reform UK steps up to seek justice for armed officers brutally attacked at Manchester Airport. Will this move bring accountability?

Reform UK has announced it has now launched a private prosecution against the individuals involved in the violent assault on three police officers at Manchester Airport in July. The decision comes after four months of inaction from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), despite Greater Manchester Police submitting a full file of evidence.

In a post shared on X earlier today, Nigel Farage MP stated: "The CPS have failed to act after an assault on police at Manchester Airport. So we are doing their job for them." He added, "Despite compelling CCTV footage, the Crown Prosecution Service has not charged anyone after four months."

The announcement marks a significant escalation in the campaign for justice following a series of events that have caused outrage within the emergency services community and among the law-abiding public.

Background: The Assault and Viral Footage

The incident on 23 July began with an altercation at Manchester Airport, culminating in the violent assault of three police officers. One officer had her nose broken, while others sustained head injuries after being attacked while attempting to detain two males.

A partial video clip of the aftermath was shared on social media and quickly picked up by mainstream news outlets. The clip, which showed officers using force to arrest the suspects, lacked the full context of the events leading up to the arrests. This sparked public outrage, with some accusing the officers of excessive force. Demonstrations were held outside police stations in Manchester, with protestors demanding the officers be arrested and investigated for assault.

However, weeks later, the Manchester Evening News obtained and released the full CCTV footage of the incident. This extended footage appeared to show the officers - who were armed - being violently attacked before using force to restrain the suspects. The footage revealed that one officer had been knocked to the ground and repeatedly struck, while another was attacked from behind.

Once the full video emerged, the narrative shifted. The demonstrations stopped as the public gained a clearer understanding of the events. Many began questioning why the suspects in the assault had not yet been charged, even as Greater Manchester Police confirmed they had submitted a comprehensive file of evidence to the CPS in August.

Outrage Over CPS Delays

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Despite the availability of evidence and the serious nature of the injuries sustained by the officers, the four men involved in the incident remain on police bail, with no charges brought against them. The delay has angered the police community, and many members of the public, who believe justice is being unacceptably delayed.

Reform UK has been vocal in its criticism of the CPS, accusing it of failing to act in the face of compelling evidence. Today’s announcement of a private prosecution aims to break the deadlock and ensure accountability for those involved.

Legal Context of Private Prosecutions

Barrister Daniel ShenSmith, known for his YouTube channel 'Blackbelt Barrister,' recently released a video explaining the process and significance of private prosecutions. The video sheds light on how they function and their growing role within the legal system.

Private prosecutions are legal under Section 6 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985, allowing individuals or organisations to bring criminal cases independently of the CPS. They are increasingly being used in cases where the CPS is perceived to be slow or resource-constrained. Previous examples include prosecutions brought by organisations such as the Royal Mail for theft and the RSPCA for animal cruelty.

How Reform UK’s Private Prosecution Will Work

Launching a private prosecution involves several steps:

• Initiation Process: Reform UK will need to submit an application for summons to the magistrates’ court, providing details of the alleged offences, evidence, and witness statements. If the court is satisfied that the evidence is sufficient, it will issue a summons requiring the accused to appear in court.

• Low Threshold for Initiation: The bar to commence a private prosecution is relatively low, allowing individuals or organisations to take action independently of the CPS.

• Potential Charges: The prosecution could involve charges such as assaulting emergency workers, which is classified as an either-way offence. This means the case could be tried in either the magistrates’ court or Crown Court, depending on its severity.

Role of the CPS and Potential Public Reaction

The CPS retains the authority to intervene in private prosecutions at any stage. If the CPS decides to take over the case, it can either continue the prosecution or halt the proceedings entirely.

If the CPS halts the prosecution, it risks provoking significant public backlash, especially given the high-profile nature of the case and the criticism already levelled at the CPS for its initial inaction. Such a move could be interpreted as undermining Reform UK’s efforts to secure justice for the assaulted police officers.

Broader Implications of the Case

Reform UK’s decision to pursue a private prosecution highlights growing dissatisfaction with the perceived inefficiencies in the criminal justice system. The case has reignited debates about the treatment of emergency service workers, with many arguing that delays in prosecuting those who attack police officers send the wrong message about accountability and public safety.

Nigel Farage’s comments today reflect the frustration many in the emergency services community and the public feel. "This is not just about justice for the officers assaulted at Manchester Airport," one source close to the case said. "It’s about showing that violence against those who protect us will never be tolerated."

OPINION: Looking Ahead

The recent move by Reform UK to initiate a private prosecution in the wake of the Manchester Airport police assault case underscores a growing public and political frustration with the perceived lethargy of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). This action reflects not just a demand for justice in this specific incident but also speaks to broader concerns over the efficiency and equity of the UK's legal system.