UK Lawyer, Dele Johnson Restrained By Court Security Also Cried Out ‘I Can’t Breathe’
In a distressing account reminiscent of George Floyd’s tragic death, UK defence solicitor Dele Johnson recounted a chilling encounter where he was pinned down by court security despite pleading that he couldn’t breathe.
The ordeal unfolded at Stratford Magistrates’ Youth Court on May 1, as Johnson, fulfilling his duties, declined a security search request to remove his shoes. Speaking with The Law Society Gazette, Johnson described how he was subdued by “four or five” guards who knelt on him.
“I never thought I’d also be saying ‘I can’t breathe’,” said Johnson, drawing parallels to the infamous incident that sparked the Black Lives Matter movement.
The London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association has voiced concerns, suggesting lawyers may boycott the court unless the guards allegedly involved in the assault are suspended by private security company OCS.
Johnson, 37, detailed how security personnel confronted him upon his return from a cigarette break, forcibly removing him after he refused to comply with their request to remove his shoes. Despite having a defendant awaiting his representation, Johnson attempted to re-enter the building through a side door, only to be intercepted by more guards.
During the court proceedings, Johnson sensed security personnel entering the courtroom, likely related to him. After the session, attempts to re-enter the courtroom were thwarted by security, resulting in a physical altercation.
“One of the security officers blocked me while I tried to go to court number 10,” Johnson recounted. “He pushed me… Then somebody grabbed me by the neck, another person grabbed my arm.”
The situation escalated as multiple guards restrained Johnson, prompting him to protest his treatment. “I felt like I was fighting for my life against five grown men,” he said. “Their knees were on my arms, legs, and back… I have asthma, my chest was being pushed to the floor so now I am struggling to breathe.”
The incident unfolded amidst protests from female lawyers over invasive searches at the same court. Daily Mail reports that security personnel have exhibited behavior likened to “nightclub bouncers,” prompting concerns among legal professionals.
Responding to the uproar, His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service assured that they are investigating the complaints urgently, emphasizing their commitment to reviewing security measures to protect all court users.
