Information Commissioner's Office

Summary: The complainant requested copies of documents that a deputy district judge had determined should not be withheld under public interest immunity regulations during the prosecution of protestors against EDO MBM, an arms company. Sussex Police refused to confirm or deny whether it held the information falling within the scope of the request, citing the exemption provided by section 40(5)(b)(i) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the -�Act-�). The Commissioner finds that confirmation or denial would disclose personal data and that the disclosure of this personal data would be in breach of the first data protection principle. The exemption provided by section 40(5)(b)(i) is therefore engaged and the public authority is not required to take any steps. Information Tribunal appeal number EA/2010/0144 withdrawn.
Section of Act/EIR & Finding: FOI 40 - Complaint Not upheld