Security Guards Acquitted of Assault in Chichester

A jury has acquitted two security guards, Jake De-Geus and Edwin Hirst, of charges including false imprisonment and assault of a 15-year-old boy at a Superdrug store in Chichester. The incident occurred on March 22, 2023, when the teenager allegedly placed a bottle of shampoo in a friend's pocket, leading to an altercation. The guards claimed they used reasonable force to detain the boy after he became aggressive and head-butted De-Geus, while the prosecution alleged excessive force. The jury deliberated for just 30 minutes before reaching a unanimous 'not guilty' verdict. The teenager, who admitted to past misconduct, had previously been banned from other local stores for theft. Video evidence from the incident sparked public backlash against the guards, yet testimony supported their claims of acting within their authority.