Originally Posted by SULLA:
“The Police are entitled to arrest anyone who they suspect is guilty of a crime.
If they didn't have this right, they might as well not exist.”
Hmmm.... a bit off... just.
The police can arrest anybody who they have reasonable grounds to suspect is involved in a crime, or where they have hard evidence to that effect.
I'm not too au fait on this case, but as I understand it, the only grounds for suspicion the police had about Barrymore was that the tragic event took place in the swimming pool at his house. That on its own is not enough grounds for arrest.
He could have been questioned informally and notified that enquiries were ongoing and he may be questioned further at a later date.
If the police are found to have been heavy handed in this case, or made an inappropriate arrest, and this had a deleterious effect on his career, then his action might just succeed.