Father Criticizes School Ban in WhatsApp Dispute as Police Admit Unlawful Arrest

A significant controversy involving the wrongful arrest of a couple has sparked a larger conversation about police authority and parental rights. Maxie Allen and Rosalind Levine, from Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, feel validated after receiving £20,000 in compensation from Hertfordshire Police.

Incident Overview and Arrest

The couple was detained in January 2025 after voicing concerns about Cowley Hill Primary School through WhatsApp and email. The police arrested them on suspicion of harassment and malicious communications. They were held for eight hours before being released.

School’s Response and Parental Criticism

• The dispute began when Mr. Allen criticized the school’s headteacher recruitment process.
• The school claimed that the couple’s remarks on a private WhatsApp group were disparaging and inflammatory.
• Following their complaints, the school blocked them from attending events and accessing the premises.

The couple’s child, Sascha, who is 10 years old and has epilepsy, was affected by the events, as they were unable to communicate effectively with her teachers due to imposed restrictions.

Police Investigation and Admission of Wrongful Arrest

Hertfordshire Constabulary initially defended the arrests, citing the volume of communication from the parents as a reason for intervention. However, after a five-week investigation, they admitted that the legal criteria for the arrests were not met, thus constituting unlawful detainment.

The Chief Constable, Andy Prophet, later acknowledged that there may have been alternative methods to handle the situation. Ultimately, Hertfordshire Police decided to compensate the couple, reflecting the desire to resolve the issue amicably.

Impact on Family

The couple expressed their relief at the police’s acknowledgment of wrongful action. They indicated that the situation had placed them in a difficult position, limiting their communication with the school and their daughter’s educators.

Mr. Allen emphasized that advocating for their daughter’s education and well-being does not warrant police intervention. Their daughter is now enrolled in a different school, where she is reportedly happy.

Official Statements

In response to the incident, a spokesperson for Cowley Hill Primary School reiterated that their decision to involve the police stemmed from the overwhelming number of direct communications that they were unable to manage through standard procedures.

• The school noted that they welcome constructive dialogue with parents.
• They maintained their commitment to providing quality education to their students.

This case highlights the complexities in parent-school relationships and raises critical questions about the limitations of police authority in civil matters.