Leanne Woods

Local Government & Police Law

Leanne’s experience covers the full spectrum of police law work and in particular, civil actions against the police, inquests and public law. She also has expertise in disclosure and public interest immunity issues and a special interest in cases with a mental health element. Leanne has acted for and advised a large number of forces around the country and other bodies, such as Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

Selected Cases

• Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis v NHS England: Leanne was instructed by the Metropolitan Police in a judicial review of the publication of conclusions reached by NHS England in a serious incident report that criticised the police’s exercise of powers under s.136 Mental Health Act 1983.
• Inquest into the death of Daniel Maynard: Acting for the Metropolitan Police Service in inquest into death of a mentally ill man who killed himself after police contact.
• Inquests into the 52 deaths arising from the 7 July 2005 London bombings: Leanne was instructed as sole junior for the British Transport Police in these high profile inquests.
• X v Google Inc: Acting for a police force in a High Court application to vary an order for disclosure of information based on the potential prejudice that disclosure would have to the police investigation into serious crime. Application was made urgently and without notice and included requests for anonymity.