The hearing into Town’s claim that Suffolk Constabulary unlawfully charged them for policing costs in the roads surrounding the ground on match days between 2008 and 2013 began at the High Court in London today. The Blues, who issued the writ a year ago, are suing for more than £200,000.
In 2012 the High Court ruled that West Yorkshire Police had overcharged Leeds United for "special police services" between 2009 and 2012, the Whites having argued that policing the roads and car parks around Elland Road is not their responsibility.
As a result of that ruling, Town were amongst a number of clubs to take similar action to reclaim cash previously paid - plus interest - for policing around stadia on match days. The Blues were charged from £5,926 to £25,242 per fixture.
Suffolk Constabulary argue that the policing of closed roads such as Portman Road and Sir Alf Ramsey Way is inseparably linked to that inside the stadium and is therefore the club’s responsibility.
Nick De Marco, for Town, told Mr Justice Green that the club "has been and currently is being charged by the police for ordinary policing on the public highway".
He continued: "This is unlawful as the police may not charge for discharging their normal policing duties."
Dijen Basu QC, for Suffolk Constabulary, said there is a difference between the situations at Town and Leeds with match days in and around Portman Road "very peaceful indeed".
"That is a key distinction between the present case and that of Leeds United, whose fans have a very bad reputation for disorder," he added.
Suffolk Constabulary has subsequently issued a counterclaim against Town for more than £96,000 in unpaid invoices.
The hearing is expected to be concluded on Thursday but is concerned only with liability with the amount of any award to be decided at a later date.