18 July 2025
Writing in NLJ this week, Charles Davey of The Barrister Group examines the Court of Appeal’s ruling in Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police v Woodcock, where police were found not liable for failing to warn a domestic abuse victim of an imminent attack
Despite a neighbour’s 999 call reporting the assailant lurking outside, no warning was given—and minutes later, the victim was stabbed. The court held that public authorities are generally not liable for omissions, reaffirming the precedent set in Michael.
Davey explores the Tofaris exceptions—such as assumption of responsibility or control over the danger—but finds none applied. He argues the law is ripe for reform, noting that a simple phone call could have prevented the attack. The decision, he warns, may erode public confidence in policing and justice.
An appeal is pending, and the legal community is watching closely.
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