The European Court of Human rights has ruled that stopping and searching people without grounds for suspicion is illegal.
The court, which has been hearing a case involving Kevin Gillan and Pennie Quinton, who were stopped and searched by the police, acting under sections 44-47 of the 2000 Act, while on their way to a demonstration said that their rights under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human rights (right to respect for private and family life) have been violated.
The court said the stop and search powers were 'neither sufficiently circumscribed nor subject to adequate legal safeguards against abuse.'
The court also said they were struck by 'the statistical and other evidence showing the extent to which police officers resorted to the powers of stop and search under section 44 of the Act.'
Kevin Gillan and Pennie Quinton were awarded 33,850 Euros to cover costs and expenses.
According to reports, Policing and Security Minister, David Hanson said he is disappointed with the ruling and that the Home Office will seek to appeal.
European Court of Human Rights Ruling.
cmiskp.echr.coe.int/tkp197/view.asp?action=html&documentId=860909&portal=hbkm&source=externalbydocnumber&tabl
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