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R v Stanesby and Hatch - Fathers for Justice

Kyri Argyropoulos was again involved in a high profile prosecution of a Father for Justice campaigner. Mr Jonathan aka "Jolly" Stanesby (who had changed his name to Margaret Hodge by Deed Poll) was prosecuted for false imprisonment after handcuffing himself to Margaret Hodge MP who was then Minister for Children.

Following a voire dire during which the officer in the case gave evidence, the judge referred to the conduct of the prosecution as "incompetent and dilatory" adding that the investigation "lacked focus". Both Ms Hodge and her assistant were called as witnesses and cross examined during the 2½ week trial at the conclusion of which Mr Stanesby and his co-defendant were acquitted.

At the conclusion of the trial it was reported that the Crown were so unhappy with the outcome that they contemplated appealing the case!

For further information

• Two cleared in handcuffed MP case - BBC News
• Protesters 'meant Hodge no harm' - BBC News
• Justice fathers 'handcuffed MP' - BBC News

7 November 2007

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