Court: Activist Can Sue Trump Golf Resort In Scotland For Breach of Privacy

By Carlos Gutierrez | Dec 26, 2016 04:03 PM EST

Trump's staff has been accused of breaching the Data Protection Act by taking mobile-phone footage of her in April as she allegedly urinated behind a dune on the course. This has been seen as an invasion of privacy.

Trump International Golf Course Scotland breached the UK's strict laws

The Guardian declared that Trump International Golf Course Scotland breached the strict laws of United Kingdom on privacy and data protection because it failed to register with the Information Commissioner's Office.

Rohan Beyts's lawyer

Mike Dailly, the lawyer of Rohan Beyts, declared that although the defendant sought to have the case dismissed as incompetent, or transferred to other courts, all attempts to stop the case were rejected by the sheriff. Beyts, 62, is pleased with the result.

Origin of the incident

Beyts and a friend used a public footpath across the Trump course to go to the dunes and beach that border the golf links. When coming back from their walk, both were challenged by resort staff and photographed. Later, Beyts was visited at home by police officers who charged her with public annoyance. A police officer told her that members of Trump's staff and a guest on the course had filmed her using their mobile phones when she ducked out of sight.

Invasion of Privacy

Mike Dailly argued that the case was a claim for invasion of privacy, because the resort had admitted it was not registered with the ICO. Besides, being filmed without her consent had caused distress to Beyts, for which she was seeking £3,000. 

Ordinary Proceedings

Paul Motion, the solicitor advocate protecting the interests of the resort argued that the case should be held in Aberdeen. Sheriff Gordon Liddle said: Should I transfer it to Manhattan? Sending it to ordinary proceedings may make is discouraged from pursuing it because of the expense implications. 

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