This website describes a judicial review (under English law) of 'routine' surveillance, by police, of a person going about their lawful business and engaged in political activity. The claim (no.8624/2005) was lodged in October 2005 by the claimant, Andrew Wood. The defendant was the Commissioner for the policing of the metropolis (Wood vs MPC for the policing of the metropolis). The claimant believed the police action was unlawful and breached their rights under the European Convention on Human Rights.

A Court of Appeal ruling, which was handed down on 21 May 2009, found for the Claimant/Appellant (Appeal Court ref: 2008/1466): the police action was unlawful. This decision reversed the previous ruling by Justice McCombe in the High Court, London on 22 May 2008.

Read a short article by the claimant - published after the Court of Appeal decision, or see the about section of this website for particulars and legal documents. Other details in the diary section of the website.

The legal challenge was supported by the human-rights group Liberty, Campaign Against Arms Trade, and the Press & Public Relations Branch of the National Union of Journalists.