Police apologise to campaigner after confirming no crime committed at protest

Police Scotland has apologised to a prominent women’s rights campaigner as the force confirmed it is satisfied no crime was committed in an incident at a demonstration outside Holyrood.

Susan Smith, co-director of For Women Scotland – the group which successfully took the Scottish Government to court over the legal definition of a woman – was at an event outside the Scottish Parliament in September where there was a confrontation with a counter-protester.

Ms Smith was reported to police amid claims of damage to a rainbow umbrella belonging to the counter-protester, who was playing loud music while the For Women Scotland demo was taking place.

Police Scotland said last month it was reviewing its response to the protest.

On Friday it confirmed it is satisfied no crime was committed.

Police have now written to Ms Stewart informing her of the decision, and have also apologised to her.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We have completed our review into this incident and are now satisfied that no crime has been committed.

“We have written to those involved to inform them of this decision.”

The force added that a previous invitation to Ms Stewart to “discuss the offer of a recorded police warning” had now been withdrawn.

Police Scotland “have apologised to the individual”, the spokesperson confirmed.

“Our review into the policing of the event on September 4 is concluding and we will update any learning captured through the Scottish Police Authority.”