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CPS Drops Case Against Brit Arrested Over U.S. Gun Photos

Prosecutors ended proceedings that began after a stalking complaint linked to his Florida firearm posts.

Overview

  • Jon Richelieu-Booth, 50, was arrested on August 23 after posting LinkedIn photos of himself with guns taken during a holiday in Florida.
  • West Yorkshire Police said a stalking complaint alleging serious alarm or distress referenced the firearm images, which the complainant viewed as threatening.
  • He was held overnight, released on bail into October, re-arrested over an alleged bail breach, and later charged with a public order offence before the Crown Prosecution Service discontinued the case.
  • Police seized his phone and computers during the inquiry, which he says prevented him from doing his IT consulting work, and he is considering a formal complaint and seeking damages.
  • The episode drew wider attention through opinion columns and social media, including a post by Elon Musk highlighting U.S. free speech and gun rights.