In a landmark ruling that clarifies the boundaries of police authority, the High Court has declared the 2022 arrest and overnight detention of motorist Ryan Reid unlawful. Justice Nicola Byer delivered a decisive judgment establishing that officers lack the legal power to arrest or detain individuals for minor traffic infractions classified as ticketable offenses.
The court specifically identified violations such as failure to wear a seatbelt and mobile phone use while driving as offenses subject only to fixed penalty notices, not warranting arrest. Reid’s detention over two days following a November 7, 2022 traffic stop was deemed an unlawful trespass on his person.
In a significant clarification of administrative procedures, the court further ruled that only the Commissioner of Police possesses the authority to suspend driver’s licenses before conviction. This finding rendered previous enforcement actions based on presumed suspensions in 2021 unlawful.
The case, brought against Commissioner of Police Casey Jean Baptiste and the Attorney General, saw Reid represented by attorney Wendel Alexander. While affirming the unlawfulness of Reid’s detention, the court rejected his additional claims of malicious prosecution, harassment, and abuse of discretion in bail refusal, noting these allegations failed to meet established legal thresholds.
Regarding a separate May 2021 arrest for dangerous driving, the court found police acted within their authority as Reid had failed to provide identification when requested, creating lawful grounds for detention under traffic regulations.
The court granted Reid leave to pursue damages for his unlawful detention, allowing 21 days to file application. Additionally, he was awarded 75% of his legal costs in the proceeding.