30 July 2026 , 13:12
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Telegraph columnist Allison Pearson has won a handsome five-figure payout and an apology from Essex’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Roger Hirst, after suing him for defamation over allegations she had incited racial hatred.
Two police offers turned up at Pearson’s door in November 2024 over an ancient tweet that they claimed could amount to a non-crime hate incident (NCHI). They wouldn’t disclose what that tweet was. Hirst’s claim that on LBC that he “can’t go around ignoring crimes just because it’s politically sensitive” were judged to be defamatory. Pearson said after her win:
“The fact remains that this should never have happened. It is deplorable that over 12,000 of our fellow citizens were targeted each year for social media posts, often on the say-so of unknown individuals who need only claim to have experienced offence or hatred. It’s hard to think of anything less British.
“Although the damage was done to me on Remembrance Sunday, two-tier political policing affects anyone with a different viewpoint. My case against Essex police continues. I hope this sends a message to elected commissioners.”
Labour has since scrapped NCHIs, for the obvious reason that sending officers to investigate journalists over tweets is a waste of time (and in this case, a lot of money for Hirst).
Politics Editor