UPDATE SEPT 29TH - CASE DROPPED!!

THANKYOU so much for your support!

I received a letter from a senior crown prosecutor that said as follows:

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"I am writing to inform you that I have today sent a notice to the Justices’ Chief Executive, under section 23 Prosecution of Offences Act 1985, discontinuing the following charges against you/your client:

Use threatening / abusive words / behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress 19/07/2024

The effect of this notice is that you/your client no longer need to attend court in respect of these charges and that any bail conditions imposed in relation to them cease to apply.

The decision to discontinue these charges has been taken because there is not enough evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction."

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Hi, my name is Harvey.

July last year, I was arrested in Manchester on my way to work — accused of shouting and threatening police officers and charged with public order, with a special request to ban me from entering all city centre's. This is the opposite of what happened...

I have video proof showing I was calm, compliant, and in shock at the way I was suddenly treated. I wasn’t aggressive or disruptive. I am trained and believe in practicing complete non-violence.

Here’s what really happened: I was listening to music while walking through St Peter’s Square, upset about recent abhorrent rights abuses towards women and protesters by Manchester and The Met police. At a distance, I saw a public police event. I uttered the phrase “fuck the police” — a lyric, a common cultural expression of frustration. I carried on my way, blindly unaware an officer was chasing after me. He grabbed my wrist from behind, and handcuffed me within seconds. No warning. No conversation. Just force.

I stood there confused and scared, the officer mocked me, calling me a “dick” and telling me to “shut up.” He even joked that I “must think I’m in a 90s rap band” — proof he knew I wasn’t threatening him or anyone personally, but simply using a phrase linked to music. I sat tearing up in a van escorted by 3 officers, scared for my future.

After the detaining officer chuckled at my tears, the booking officer seemed confused why I had been detained, and I was released without charge. Assured I would not be and it was a warning. After I filed a formal complaint about unlawful arrest and excessive force, a month or two later I was sent a surprise court summons in the post.

Now I’m facing a criminal trial in just three weeks . The police are trying to impose a special order that would ban me from entering city centres if convicted — a punishment completely out of proportion for simply expressing myself.

I cannot qualify for legal aid because my household income is just over the threshold, even though I personally live on only £1,300 a month with nothing left after rent, bills, food, and travel. My solicitor’s fees are currently £1,440 — an impossible amount for me to cover alone.

I am terrified of what this case could mean, not just for me but for anyone who dares to speak out. Please, if you can, help me raise the funds to fight this unjust charge. Every donation, no matter how small, gives me hope and a real chance to defend myself fairly in court.

It is too nuanced to be able to fight with self representing or with the duty solicitor. I am very anxious about what they will do if I don't have a professional in my corner.

I go to court October 3rd and have very little time for a fair chance!

Contact me if you would like to show support and sit in the public gallery at magistrates court.