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2w ago

Kent Police Apologizes to Retired Officer for Wrongful Arrest Over Social Media Post

Julian Foulkes plans legal action after his caution for a post warning of antisemitism is expunged, raising concerns over free speech and police tactics.

Why do police commanders believe non-crimes like Mr Foulkes’s merit attention? And why do officers think for a second that it’s appropriate to start judging a man’s reading material? (Photo: Tom Pugh/PA)
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Overview

  • Julian Foulkes, a 71-year-old retired special constable, was arrested in November 2023 after a social media post warning about antisemitism was referred to Kent Police by the Metropolitan Police Intelligence Command.
  • Officers searched his home, handcuffed him, and seized his electronic devices, commenting on his collection of 'Brexity' books and a household shopping list.
  • Foulkes accepted an unconditional caution at the time, fearing it might affect his ability to visit his daughter in Australia, but the caution has since been expunged following a review by Kent Police.
  • Kent Police issued a formal apology in May 2025, acknowledging procedural errors and announcing a review to address the handling of such cases.
  • Supported by the Free Speech Union, Foulkes is preparing to sue Kent Police for wrongful arrest, prompting wider debate on the policing of non-crime hate incidents and the balance between free speech and public safety.