Post-incident investigation following protests outside Cardiff Bay Police Station: Update

In January, four protests took place on consecutive evenings outside Cardiff Bay Police Station on James Street.

The protests were in relation the death of 24-year-old Mohamud Hassan.

Mr Hassan died in multi-occupancy property on Newport Road, Roath, shortly after 10.30pm on Saturday, January 9.

He had been in custody at Cardiff Bay Police Station the previous night.

His death is now subject to an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct following an immediate referral by South Wales Police.

The force continues to fully co-operate with the IOPC investigation and has provided them with information and material, including CCTV footage and body-worn video.

We acknowledge the impact that Mr Hassan’s death has had on the wider community and we appreciate that people want to make their voices heard and show support to Mr Hassan’s family and friends.

In ordinary times policing will do all it can to facilitate people lawfully exercising that right to be heard.

But coronavirus remains a deadly disease and there are restrictions in place to prevent its spread.

During the protests in January officers worked to engage with attendees in order to remind them of their obligations under the current Coronavirus legislation, including the prohibition on meeting people outside your own household, and the overarching goal for everyone to take personal responsibility by following Welsh Government regulations to Stay Home.

We are duty-bound to take into account all relevant legislation, and South Wales Police has strived to maintain a consistent policing style of engaging, explaining and encouraging, and enforcing as last resort where necessary, throughout this public health emergency.

This approach was maintained during the protests in Cardiff Bay on January 12, 13, 14, and 15.

One woman was reported for summons for breaching Covid-19 regulations by organising an outdoor event, namely protests in Cardiff Bay on two of the four evenings, at which more than 30 people were in attendance.

She was given the opportunity to either pay a £500 fixed penalty notice (FPN) or request a court hearing.

This action was taken in an effort to protect the public’s health during this global pandemic.

During the protests, there was clear evidence of other criminal offences, unrelated to the breach of COVID regulations, and our post-incident investigation has focused on the more serious of these offences.

Whenever there is evidence of disorder or violence, no matter what the event, we always pursue those responsible in order that appropriate action is taken.

Enquiries into the protests are continuing and to date 12 individuals have been identified.

Of the 12:

Eight people have been charged, summonsed, received a fixed penalty notice or been dealt with by other Out of Court Disposal such as The Pathfinder Deferred Charge Scheme or Anti-Social Behaviour referral.

Two cases are currently with the Crown Prosecution Service awaiting a charging decision.

A postal requisition process is on-going for one individual.

No further action was taken in respect of another individual.