Aibu about FOI requests

[Curiousunicorn]

I’ve exhausted Google so hoping there’s some knowledgeable people on here!

does anyone know if it’s possible to do a FOI request to access court records from 1970s? I’ve recently discovered an uncle was in trouble at this time with the police due to the troubles in NI

Its very unexpected news (almost unbelievable) that I’d like to confirm or deny! it’s not possible to discuss with him and obviously I can’t bring it up freely in the family as I don’t know if anyone else knows. he has a very common name so Google isn’t bringing anything up.

It’s curiosity more than anything - happy to be told I’m being V unreasonable and to let sleeping dogs lie!

It is possible to request it as technically that info is archived in the UK however be prepared for retrieval to take ages abd for it to cost you.

Thank you so much! I’ve gone ahead with the request

FOI is only for requests about general, non-identifying information. Requests for person specific data will be refused because it will likely breach data privacy rules. Individuals can make a subject access request about their own data but not other peoples.

Court records are public, generally reported in newspapers so you could check local newspapers of the time

His name is really common so local newspaper reports are unfortunately not helpful in this case

I recently solved a mystery of why a Family member was in court in the 1970's using Findmypast. They had free access to archived British and Irish newspapers during the time of the Queen's funeral. You could filter using dates, names and any key words I think. It's good to look up your own name too!

You can't apply for a FOI request regarding a 3rd party. That's a breach of data protection. Only information a body holds on you can be released under FOI. But as a PP said, court records are freely available

Mumzoo5070-

how long ago does it have to be that you can access court records freely?

BluebelllsRosesDaffodills it was a free special offer just for a few days although I think Findmypast is quite reasonable to purchase access for a short time. Not court records but newspapers that have been scanned. There is a search feature where I just put in a rough date and a name and BINGO! Then I looked up my name and read all the newspaper articles where I won poetry competitions in the eighties and such like. Hours of fun!