My name is Sam Smith, a UK law blogger known as Matthew Hopkins, the Witchfinder General, behind Matthew Hopkins News (matthewhopkinsnews.com). For years, I have exposed online predators, fought for vulnerable people in court as a praised McKenzie Friend, and upheld truth through responsible journalism. Now, I am suing Hertfordshire Police for violating my free speech, wrongfully arresting me, and causing personal injury. I need your help to fund this battle for justice—not just for me, but for everyone’s right to speak freely.

A Midnight Raid for Two Blog Posts

On March 8, 2025, at 11:45 PM, 12 Hertfordshire Police officers stormed my home, arrested me under the Online Safety Act 2023 for “False Communications,” and seized my belongings, including electronic devices. My crime? Writing two true blog articles. Within a week, the police admitted their mistake, dropped the investigation, and returned my items. A detective’s log, obtained via the Data Protection Act 2018, even raised concerns about the arrest’s legality:

This wasn’t just an error—it was unlawful. Sending a, “False Communication” is a minor offense under s179 of the Online Safety Act, meaning a warrantless search was illegal under s32(2)(b) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. As a legally qualified blogger, I uncovered this violation. Most people wouldn’t know their rights or have the means to fight back.

Why This Matters to You

This case is about more than me. If police can raid a blogger’s home at midnight over true articles, what’s stopping them from silencing you? While Hertfordshire’s Police Commissioner struggles to get officers to attend burglaries, they sent a dozen police to my home for a non-violent speech “crime”. On March 8, 2025, if you needed police help, they were busy targeting my blog. Assaulted? Burgled? Robbed? Raped? Murdered? Tough - the entire police intervention team were at my house over wrongthink.

My Fight for Justice

With help from barrister David Hirst of 5RB Chambers, I am expanding my lawsuit to seek damages for wrongful arrest, personal injury, and breach of my Article 10 free speech rights. I am also demanding Hertfordshire Police retrain on free speech laws, hoping to set a precedent for other forces and the College of Policing. Minor speech issues shouldn’t trigger raids.

What Your Donation Will Fund

As a legally experienced litigant, I’ve drafted court papers, refined by barrister Matthew Hodson of Gatehouse Law, keeping costs low. However, I need funds for:

Any surplus will support my work and my blog, exposing wrongdoing and protecting the vulnerable.

Join the Fight

Hear my full story on Pulse.Today :

You can read full details on my blog here. Your donation, no matter how small, will help hold Hertfordshire Police accountable and protect free speech for all. Please donate, share this campaign, and follow my journey. Together, we can stop police overreach.

Gratitude

Thank you to solicitor Ian Lewis and Asim of Noble Solicitors for pro-bono work, solicitor Iain Gould of DPP Law for advice, barrister Matthew Hodson of Gatehouse Law for refining my claim, and barrister David Hirst of 5RB Chambers for ongoing support.

Donate Now to Defend Free Speech and Hold Police Accountable!