Barrister Jerry Hayes has launched a scathing attack on non-crime hate incidents, claiming they are “worse” than human rights violations.
His comments come amid growing controversy over police investigations into such incidents.
“The insidious thing about the non-crime hate incident is, although you don’t get a criminal record, if there’s an in-depth one, it can flash up,” Hayes said on GB News.
He added that police are “too terrified about what will be said about them under this new Government.”
Jerry Hayes is furious about the matter – which he says is ‘worse’ than a human rights offence
GB NEWS
The comments follow a controversial police visit to journalist Allison Pearson’s home on Remembrance Sunday over a social media post from last year.
Officers arrived at her door to arrange an interview following a complaint from a member of the public about alleged incitement to racial hatred.
The post in question, now deleted, showed two police officers standing next to men holding what appeared to be a Pakistani political party flag.
The case was initially reported to the Metropolitan Police before being passed to Sussex Police and then Essex Police.
Jerry Hayes joined Nana Akua on GB News
GB NEWS
Essex Police strongly dispute Pearson’s account of the visit, stating it was “wholly inaccurate” to suggest she was told about a non-crime hate incident.
The force says it has body-worn video footage that “entirely supports” their position.
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In response to the controversy, Essex Police has set up a “gold group” – typically reserved for major incidents like terror attacks – to handle the investigation.
The force has also lodged a complaint with press regulator Ipso over what it calls “large amounts of false reporting” about the probe.
Allison Pearson was visited by police GB NEWS
Hayes warned that police resources are already severely stretched thin across the country.
“I don’t think the police have time for this, they’re overstretched. The whole system of criminal justice is falling apart and the Government is cutting back even further,” he said.
The case has sparked a broader debate about police priorities, with senior politicians including Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Chris Philp speaking out in defence of Pearson.
“We have to make a stand on this. It’s beyond party politics,” Hayes added.
Allison Pearson was visited on Remembrance Sunday by officers from Essex PoliceGETTY
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has joined the criticism of police investigations into non-crime incidents.
Speaking to GB News, she agreed that such probes were “a ridiculous use of police resources”.
“That’s why we’ve committed to ensure that there are 13,000 neighbourhood police officers and community support officers in our local areas,” Reeves said.
She emphasised that making streets and communities safer should be the priority for police in Britain, not investigating playground insults or social media posts.
