House Of Lords Decision Over Ridge V Baldwin Case

House Of Lords Decision Over Ridge v Baldwin Case

Ridge and Baldwin case was a UK law case which was heard by the House Of Lords.

Ridge became the Chief Constable of the County Borough of Brighton in 1956 and served the Brighton Police Force for thirty years until the Watch Committee, the police authority on 7th March, 1958, decided he should be dismissed.

However, Ridge insisted the resolution was void and no effect because he was not told the reason why he was dismissed and not only that, he was not also given the opportunity to be heard in his own defense.

Moreover, following the issue of which Ridge was arrested on 25th October, 1957, he was tried on the charge of colliding with the senior members of his force and of cause other members to obstruct the course of justice and because of that he was suspended from duty 25th October. He was then acquitted on 28th February but the other two members of the force were convicted.

In sentencing the two members of the force, Judge Donovan made a statement which made a great reflections on Ridge’s conduct. He was then indicated on a charge of corruption and was acquitted on 6th March because there was no evidence been offered against him.

Because of the acquittal in a trial of corruption charges in which the Judge criticized Ridge, he was dismissed without a hearing. After reconsideration by the police authority, an appeal was made to the home secretary which was unsuccessful. Ridge brought an action for a declaration that the dismissal was unlawful and the House Of Lords granted the declaration.