Daniel Kaluuya sues Met

Being a movie star and award winning actor is no protection from the police activity which many describe as racial profiling. To the Metropolitan police, Daniel Kaluuya 24,who appeared in the hit movie 'Johnny English Reborn' and the teen drama 'Skins' , he was just another Black man who too often is seen as guilty until they can prove their innocence.

However, so traumatic was Daniel's interaction with the police that he has decided to sue the Met.

During an incident in Camden he was taken off a bus in Camden Town, pinned to the ground by four officers with one placing a boot on his head, and strip-searched at Kentish Town police station.

Officers told him he fitted the description of someone acting suspiciously in the area, the claim states.

The ordeal that this young man was subjected to reads like something from the 60's or 70's, not 2009.

According to the Evening Standard report, the claims against the officers were that were “aggressive from the outset” and “intimidating”. The pair backed Kaluuya against a shop window before pinning him to the floor and restraining him, helped by up to five colleagues after they radioed for help. He had his hands and legs cuffed and his trousers pulled down.

Kaluuya was kneed in the back, neck and head; kicked in the legs and stomach; and had his head and shoulder stamped on, it is claimed. When he refused to reveal his name, more force was applied via the boot on his head.

He was ordered to walk to the police van but fell over twice because his trousers were round his knees. Kaluuya said officers failed to read him his rights and refused to inform his mother that he had been taken to the police station. It was the first time he had been held in custody. He spent four hours in a cell and was subjected to a strip-search, during which nothing was found. His fingerprints, DNA and photograph were taken.

As horriifc as the story is, sadly it is all too familiar to many young Black men in London and all over the UK.

When I was in my twenties I endured a similar experience albeit not as violent. But anyone who has had the indignity of being strip-searched- and yes they do look everywhere- one feels violated . Back then I wasn't empowered enough to contest the humilation. Most Black men are just relieved that they can leave the police station.

But I'm pleased Daniel is suing. But 50k is not nearly enough. Imagine for second he was found guilty of obstructing the police -for which he was charged and found not guily- his very promising acting career would have died right there with the brutal actions of a few police officers.

The Home Secretary Theresa May is to make an announcement about 'Stop and Search ' shortly. Lets hope we see a big change, because it cannot come soon enough.

Simon Woolley