A photographer who was so badly 'handled' during protests in Parliament Square in October 2006 that he needed hospital treatment has accepted an apology and out of court settlement from the Metropolitan Police. Well known and respected photo journalist Marc Vallee had to take time off work following the incident. He brought a civil action against the police and Met Commissioner Sir Ian Blair for abuses under the Human Rights Act. While the police have not admitted any liability under the terms of the settlement, it is clear from the case and video footage that Vallee didn't decide to beat himself up. To the extent police film protests, the press covering the protests now increasingly film the police filming them as well as the general public. While it may not have made it into a court or been admissible in evidence, its fair to say that this time they were caught on cam.
More including video footage from Editorial Photographers UK and MediaGuardian
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