Police have dropped a case against a women’s rights campaigner following claims she had damaged a trans activist’s umbrella during a protest outside Scottish Parliament.
Susan Smith, co-director of For Women Scotland, was reported to police over the incident at a demonstration led by the campaign group on September 4.
She was claimed to have damaged a rainbow umbrella during an altercation with trans activist, Tom Harlow, who was playing loud music in an attempt to drown out speakers at the demo.
Police Scotland said last month it was reviewing its response to the protest.
The force confirmed today it is satisfied no crime was committed.
Police have now written to Ms Smith informing her of the decision and apologised to her.
A Police Scotland spokesman 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.”
Police Scotland has apologised to Susan Smith (left) over the ordeal
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The force added that a previous invitation to Ms Smith to “discuss the offer of a recorded police warning” had now been withdrawn.
“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,” the spokesman added.
The September 4 rally, titled “Women Won’t Wait”, called on the Scottish Government to move faster in implementing the Supreme Court ruling on gender.
The Free Speech Union (FSU), which Ms Smith is also a member of, wrote in a post to X: “This is a win for Susan, for free speech and the right for women to be heard.
For Women Scotland held the protest in September calling on the Scottish Government to move faster in implementing the Supreme Court ruling on gender
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“We welcome the decision of Police Scotland to take no further action, but remain concerned it had to come to this.
“Susan will be taking up Police Scotland’s offer to discuss her case with senior officers, as well as the wider issues raised.
“The police must always choose the defence of free speech rather than kowtowing to the wishes of activists, whose aim is often to shut it down.”
Fraser Hudghton, director of FSU Scotland, said last week it is of “critical important” Police Scotland and MSPs “answer questions raised” by the case.
“The targeting of sex realists by radical activists, using the levers of the state, demands scrutiny,” he said.
“Reassurances must be forthcoming that police are there to serve all of us, and not just those who shout the loudest.”
