The Story

The man arrested over a dispute with his daughter's school

The man arrested over a dispute with his daughter's school

The Story


Published: 3 April 2025 at 00:01 Europe/London

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Episode notes

When Maxie Allen complained to his daughter’s primary school about the recruitment process for a new head teacher, he hoped it would result in more openness and transparency. Instead six uniformed officers from Hertfordshire police were sent to arrest Allen and his partner after the school objected to them sending numerous emails and to their criticisms including “disparaging” comments on a parents’ WhatsApp group. So, is this another case of police overreach? And what does it mean for our ability to criticise and communicate privately?

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Guests: 

  • Maxie Allen, producer, Times Radio, and
  • Fiona Hamilton, Chief Reporter, The Times. 

Host: Manveen Rana. 

Producers: Edward Drummond and Sam Chantarasak.

Further reading:

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com  


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