On 18 December 2024, PC 07984 Harry Tyldesley admitted to breaching legal professional privilege (see video below) at Longsight Police Station, raising serious concerns about police conduct and the protection of fundamental legal rights.
By his admission, Harry Tyldesley has also allegedly breached Article 6 and possibly other articles of the Human Rights Act.
What Happened at Longsight Police Station?
A voluntary interview was scheduled for an individual at Longsight police station. Before the formal interview began, the individual met privately with their solicitor in a meeting room intended for confidential discussions. However, PC 07984 Harry Tyldesley, the officer involved in the case, breached the individual’s lawful right to privacy by listening at the door and making notes of the private conversation in his pocket notebook.
According to the complaint, PC Tyldesley initially briefed the solicitor in the private room and then left to allow the solicitor and client to confer in private and under legal professional privilege. During this confidential meeting, the client noticed someone ‘lurking’ outside the room through the frosted glass. Later, they discovered it was PC 07984 Tyldesley.
Despite denying he was at the door (proven to be false from CCTV), the officer admitted to overhearing the conversation and recorded notes of what he heard in his pocketbook. When asked to show the individual what he had written down, he refused to tell or shown them.
The Breach of Legal Rights
The private discussion included privileged information directly related to the individual’s proposed legal defence. Solicitor-client privilege is a legally protected right, ensuring individuals can prepare their defence without interference. PC 07984 Tyldesley wilfully breached this right by listening at the door and taking notes. These actions represent misconduct, possibly gross misconduct and has been recorded by PSD
Legal Implications
Legal professional privilege is a cornerstone of the justice system. Breaches like this undermine trust in the police and can lead to unfair proceedings. The individual attended voluntarily, was not under arrest, and was using a private meeting room.
It has also been alleged that Harry Tyldesley shared the privileged information with another police officer, PC Theresa Morgan, which has no policing purpose. It is believed that PC Morgan is on restricted duties, although it is unsure if this relates to the alleged data breach.
The individual has made a complaint, the outcome will be published in due course.
Another one not fit to wear the uniform! Disgraceful behaviour!