Blackburn Social Media Auditor Slapped With £32k Legal Bill After Losing to Police
A Blackburn man known for filming police, Kevin Brown, has been hit with over £32,000 in legal costs after a failed false imprisonment claim against Lancashire Constabulary.
The Incident: Filming Outside Police Station Goes Wrong
On September 29, 2022, Kevin Brown, 35, aka “Auditing Lancashire” on YouTube, was caught filming outside Greenbank Police Station in Blackburn at 3:30am. Wearing camouflage and a face covering, he was spotted by Sergeant Kerr filming private vehicles through the station gate during a UK terrorism alert at “substantial” level.
The sergeant questioned Brown, who tried to fake a foreign accent claiming he couldn’t understand English. It didn’t fool the officers. When Brown kept filming silently, Sergeant Kerr confronted him again. Chief Inspector Black then arrived and ordered Brown’s release.
Brown later launched a lawsuit accusing police of false imprisonment and trespass. He shared footage and details on his channel before deleting the video, which was captured and reposted by another YouTube channel, “Street Video Reviewer.”
Court Rejects Claims, Slams Provocative Behaviour
The case went to Preston County Court, where Judge HHJ Jacqueline Beech dismissed Brown’s claims outright.
“His actions were utterly unacceptable and deliberately provocative, aimed at provoking the police to create social media content,” said the judge.
HHJ Beech ruled Sergeant Kerr’s use of force was necessary and reasonable under the circumstances. Brown was ordered to pay Lancashire Constabulary £30,575 in costs, with his lawyers facing an additional £1,175 bill.
Social Media Auditors: Legal Lines Blurred
Social media auditing—filming public places and police—is controversial. Auditors claim it defends civil rights, but critics argue it’s a stunt for viral videos.
The court found Brown’s actions were meant to provoke a police response, not protect liberties. His legal claim was labelled meritless, marking a firm judicial pushback against nuisance lawsuits targeting police.
Mixed Reactions and What’s Next?
Social media users are divided—some sympathise, others condemn Brown’s antics. Legal experts applaud the ruling as a precedent deterring frivolous cases against officers.
Brown has yet to comment publicly and might struggle to cover the hefty costs. Lancashire Constabulary hasn’t issued a formal statement but the win is seen as a deterrent to those abusing filming rights for profit.
