Two Men to Appear in Court Over Battery of Teenage Boy in Superdrug Store

Two Men to Appear in Court Over Battery of Teenage Boy in Superdrug Store

Two men are due to appear in court in connection with an incident involving the false imprisonment and battery of a teenage boy at a Superdrug store in Chichester earlier this year.

 

The pair face charges relating to an event that occurred in March, where a 15-year-old boy was allegedly detained and assaulted inside the store, located in the West Sussex city. The incident drew widespread attention at the time, with videos circulating on social media and sparking public concern about the handling of the situation.

 

According to Sussex Police, the two men were involved in restraining the teenager during an altercation inside the shop. The boy was reportedly detained against his will, and it is alleged that physical force was used during the incident, resulting in a charge of battery.

 

Following an investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised charges of false imprisonment and battery against the two men. They are now due to appear before magistrates to answer the allegations. Authorities have not yet publicly named the individuals involved but confirmed they would be formally charged in court proceedings scheduled in the coming weeks.

 

A Sussex Police spokesperson said:

*”We take all allegations of assault seriously, and a full investigation was carried out into the circumstances of this incident. Following consultation with the CPS, two individuals have been charged and will appear in court to face the charges against them.”*

 

At the time of the incident, the footage shared online showed the teenager being physically restrained inside the Superdrug branch, prompting a wave of commentary and debate on social media. Many questioned the appropriateness of the actions taken by the adults involved and called for a thorough inquiry.

 

Superdrug confirmed in March that they were cooperating fully with the police investigation. A spokesperson for the retailer said:

*”The safety of our customers and staff is of utmost importance to us. We are aware of the incident and took immediate action to assist authorities in their investigation. We are unable to comment further while legal proceedings are ongoing.”*

 

The boy involved was treated for minor injuries but did not require hospitalisation. His family has called for justice, expressing hope that the court case will ensure accountability for the actions taken against him.

 

Legal experts say that a charge of false imprisonment carries serious implications. False imprisonment occurs when a person is intentionally restrained without lawful justification, and if convicted, it can result in significant penalties, including imprisonment. The additional charge of battery — the unlawful application of force on another person — could further aggravate the case against the accused.

 

The upcoming court hearing will determine the next steps, including whether the two men plead guilty or contest the charges. If the case proceeds to trial, witnesses, including those who recorded video evidence, could be called to give testimony.

 

The incident remains a subject of public interest in Chichester and beyond, highlighting ongoing concerns about the appropriate use of force in retail settings and the rights of young people when confronted by adults in positions of authority.

 

The two men are expected to appear before Worthing Magistrates’ Court later this month.

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