Answers
Thread 3
What is the significance of PC Thomas leaving the scene?
This could be significant for a number of reasons.
Firstly, a police officer could well provide a useful comparator when deciding how a ‘person of reasonable firmness’ would react to behaviour which might contravene ss1 and 2 POA 1986.
Secondly, it is well established that whilst police officers can be the victims of ss4 and 5 POA offences, they are expected to show a higher resistance to the sort of behaviour these sections criminalise (see D.P.P. v. Orum [1988] 3 All ER 449.) The fact that the police officer chose to leave the scene indicates the level of seriousness of the situation.
Thirdly, the fact that he has seen a need to leave the scene may have an
impact on the question of the legality of Inspector Ringo’s later decision
to send the marchers home.