Kent PCC questions force over X post case

The "ordeal" of a retired special constable who was arrested and handcuffed after a post on X was "unacceptable", according to Kent's Police and Crime Commissioner.

Kent PCC Matthew Scott said he was "taking the matter extremely seriously" and had asked Kent Police chief constable Tim Smith for an explanation, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Julian Foulkes, from Gillingham, was handcuffed by six officers and had his electronic devices seized two days after he was alleged to have accused a pro-Palestine social media post of being antisemitic in October 2023.

Kent Police told the BBC it had apologised to Mr Foulkes, removed a caution from his record and would hold a review.

Mr Scott said in a statement: "The ordeal that Julian Foulkes has been through during the last 18 months is unacceptable.

"I am pleased that Kent Police has apologised to him and removed the caution from his record."

He thanked Mr Foulkes for his service in policing and said he was "truly sorry" for his experience.

He added: "I am taking this matter very seriously and I am raising these concerns with Kent Police and the chief constable."

The Telegraph reported how Mr Foulkes, 71, was arrested for challenging a pro-Palestine supporter on the social media platform.

It said that on 30 October, 2023, an individual had tweeted threatening to sue former home secretary Suella Braverman, who had called pro-Palestine protests "hate marches", if she called them an antisemite.

The paper said Mr Foulkes had responded: "One step away from storming Heathrow looking for Jewish arrivals…"

Mr Foulkes said he was taking legal action against Kent Police over his alleged treatment.

Speaking on the doorstep of home in Gillingham, Mr Foulkes, who spent a decade as a special constable, said: "It's all very disappointing.

"It has got to end and that's why someone has to take stand."

Mr Foulkes' legal action is being backed by the Free Speech Union which has raised £35,000 of a £50,000 through an appeal.

Kent Police said it had examined the caution and on review of the circumstances, expunged it.

A spokesman added: "The chief constable telephoned Mr Foulkes on Sunday to personally apologise on behalf of the force for the distress caused and the way the matter was investigated.

"He has ordered that a review take place, which will be led by the force's Professional Standards department."

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.