ST is a prisoner serving a life sentence for murder. He brought various challenges against the Ministry of Justice alleging trespass and breach of his rights under Articles 3 and 8 ECHR. This was as a result of various strip searches he was required to submit to before accessing the prison regime in late 2022, and included a period of 21 days during which he was required to submit to a search and squat test before exiting his cell, which he declined. He claimed damages and declaratory relief. The Defendant denied the claim in its entirety, on the basis that the search requirements were based on serious and significant intelligence indicating a risk of co-ordinated disorder, violence and possession of unauthorised items , and were therefore lawful in the circumstances.
Following a trial at Newcastle Civil and Family Courts on 8 and 24 September 2025, Recorder Mundy KC dismissed the claim, and awarded the Defendant costs under the Fixed Recoverable Costs scheme.
Emma-Louise Fenelon was instructed by Wendy Spall of the Government Legal Department.
