THE States is not responsible for the conduct of police or Customs officers when acting in law enforcement, the Royal Court has ruled.

The landmark decision was made in the case of a man who brought an action against the States for alleged wrongful arrest, imprisonment, and assault by law enforcement officers.

In 2000, Stephen Le Huray was charged with importing £40,000 worth of the class A drug Ecstasy but the case was dismissed when the prosecution offered no evidence.

Mr Le Huray spent nine months in prison before his case was dropped three days before his trial was due to start on 2 July 2001.

It was unclear yesterday whether Deputy Bailiff Richard Collas’ written judgement would be challenged. Mr Le Huray’s advocate, Nick Barnes, said he could not discuss the next stage of the process without first gaining his client’s permission.

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