Police apologise to For Women Scotland director over umbrella incident at Parliament protest
Susan Smith said she was ‘relieved’ to draw a line under the episode
Police Scotland has apologised to a director of the campaign group For Women Scotland (FWS) after she was offered a recorded police warning over an incident involving an umbrella at a Holyrood protest.
Susan Smith previously said she was told she would face a charge of minor vandalism if she declined the warning, which followed a confrontation at a rally outside the Scottish Parliament on September 4.
She had been accused of damaging a rainbow-coloured umbrella that belonged to trans activist Tom Harlow, who had been playing loud music behind a protest organised by FWS.
Supporters of Ms Smith said the decision to take action against her was “mind-boggling”. The police later said they were reviewing their response to the protest, which included “the complaint of an umbrella being damaged”.
On Friday, a spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “We have completed our review into this incident and are now satisfied that no crime has been committed.
“We have written to those involved to inform them of this decision. An invitation to discuss the offer of a recorded police warning has been withdrawn and we have apologised to the individual.
“Our review into the policing of the event on 4 September is concluding and we will update any learning captured through the Scottish Police Authority.”
Ms Smith said: "I am relieved that I can now draw a line under this episode and I am incredibly grateful to the Free Speech Union (FSU) and my lawyer Neil Hay for all their help and support.
“This has highlighted how difficult and frightening such an action must be for those who are not able to draw on the help of FSU and who cannot hope to have the same level of public, political and press support I was fortunate enough to receive.
"While I am delighted that Police Scotland have dropped this case, it is concerning that an individual who came with the express intention of disrupting our rally and drowning out our speakers was taken seriously, especially when extreme, credible threats to women are frequently overlooked.
"I can now refocus on the essential work of FWS. We will continue to challenge the reluctance in government, public bodies and third-sector organisations to obey the law, as clarified in our Supreme Court victory in April, and ensure that women’s rights are respected and our voices are heard."
Fraser Hudghton, of the FSU, said the incident raised “questions are raised about who mandated the course of action against Susan Smith and whether there is parity when it comes to policing protests”.
He said: “The public expect all police investigations to be impartial and complaints dealt with even-handedly. That has not been the impression given. Police have come to the correct conclusion, but only after a public backlash.
"Of pressing concern is the speed at which police investigate or charge those who hit a political red button topic. It suggests that on certain issues you'll face the full brunt of our criminal justice system for holding 'unfashionable' opinions.”
Scottish Conservative deputy chairwoman Pam Gosal said it was “a victory for common sense”.
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