I was accused of “touching a child’s head” whilst passing him/her. I was then stopped in my
car in ‘The Bridges’ roof top car park by 3 “Security Guards” whilst one then grabbed me by the neck, began heaving me about then threw me into the car whilst continuing to mal-handle/ punch me causing various dental injuries before calling the police and accusing me of also being a “PAEDOPHILE”.
They actually had me “ARRESTED” for “PUBLIC DISORDER”.

I do NOT invent ANY of this.

I have, via Sunderland County Court, obtained all pertinent CCTV/Video recordings concerning this MOST SERIOUS MIS-TREATMENT, as a perfectly well intended. perfectly innocent customer. There were NO GROUNDS for ANY charges against me and NO further action was taken against me.

I remain EXTREMELY TRAUMATIZED since this experience last August. I actually returned 2 days laterto try and confirm the existence of nearby CCTV, however was approached AGAIN by further “Security Guards” who AGAIN called the police, alleging AGAIN that I was a “paedophile”. They then attended,
stopped me in my car, by the main road and demanded I DELETE ALL MY MOBILE TELEPHONE PICTURES (whilst surrounded by 4 police officers).

Incredible as this seems I DO NOT exaggerate a single word and am FULLY INTENT on pursuing
fitting, indeed substantial ACTION as a consequence.

PHIL

“THE BRIDGES” VISITOR
(NO MORE!!!)

What I don’t understand is how so many places now want to restrict photography at a time when cameras are included in virtually every gadget. Whether it is one of those flip video cams or cellphone cams, I think every single person walking the streets today has a camera with him/her. The horse left the barn long ago!

The Union Station dispute ended up in congressional hearings before the management company caved and agreed to allow photography.

I believe some states have enacted laws that say that if you open your property up to the public (i.e. a mall) then all activities that the public can do on a public sidewalk is allowed within that space as well.

What it boils down to is that it is no longer as simple as it seems.. Sometimes it feels like you need to bring a lawyer with you on photo shoots

There’s probably some legal thing that makes it different but i know that there’s private, public but private, and public. Just because the “public” can go someplace unrestricted doesn’t mean it’s “public” by the definition of law.

I’m not arguing with you, i’m clarifying US law in this matter.

The behavior of the security guard is inexcusable regardless of any rule that might have been broken. And rules should be clearly posted. While ignorance of the law is not considered an excuse, mall rules are NOT LAWS. If malls want us to follow certain rules then they should clearly post them where everyone can see, and in multiple languages. Otherwise the guards should be properly train to POLITELY inform customers of the rules.

This guard has no excuse – if this happened to me believe me my attorney would be in touch with everyone involved and that guard would be walking the unemployment line!

You said “However ridiculous, accusatory, and utterly stupid the guard’s request was, a mall is private property (and not “public”

The Shopping Mall may be privately owned but it is still a public space because the public are allowed to enter without restriction. therefore I was within my rights to take a picture as there is no law against taking pictures in a public space.

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