King’s Coronation Arrests Dropped: 21 Coppers-Free After No Charges
CPS Drops Case Against Coronation Arrests
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has told the Metropolitan Police that 21 people arrested during the King’s Coronation policing operation will face no further action. The arrests, made on May 6, 2023, in The Mall and Whitehall, were to prevent breaches of the peace and on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance.
Met Police Acted on Intelligence, But No Convictions Ahead
The Metropolitan Police referred the cases to the CPS in August 2023 for legal review. After a thorough exam, prosecutors found no realistic chance of convicting anyone. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said, “Tens of thousands came to London for the King’s Coronation. The Met played a vital role in keeping the event safe and secure.”
Proactive Policing Amid Activist Fears
Hours before the Coronation, intelligence flagged possible activist disruptions targeting the procession. Twist stressed the importance of pre-emptive action to protect public safety. “The Met deals with protests thousands of times every year across London,” he said. The force allowed peaceful protests along the route, including at Trafalgar Square, with a hefty police plan in place.
Why Arrests Didn’t Lead to Charges
Twist explained the jump from arrest to charge sets a high bar. Officers acted on reasonable suspicion. For example, three suspects caught near the route carried glue, a banner from a known activist group, Allen keys, and other kit pointing toward possible criminal intent.
“We ask for public understanding of the tough decisions officers face daily based on limited info,” said Twist.
