Freelance photographer Alan Lodge has been found guilty of obstructing the police after a trial at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court.

He was arrested, charged and had his camera equipment seized when he tried to take pictures of armed police in the city on March 18 last year.

He was handed a conditional discharge and has been ordered to pay £400 in costs. The decision came after 18 months and 12 separate court dates.

The case has raised important questions about the right for photographers to carry out their duties in a public place.

Nottinghamshire Crown Prosecution Service lawyer Anne McCarroll said after the hearing: "The prosecution's case was that by standing so closely in front of the armed response officer, Mr Lodge was obstructing his line of view needed to carry out his duty.

"The officer was responding to reports of an armed suspect, and participating in a sensitive operation which required the observation of a specific area. Mr Lodge was asked to move but declined to do so.

"The file of evidence was received from the police and reviewed in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors. We were satisfied there was sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction, and that it was in the public interest to proceed with this matter. This was a serious matter which has been dealt with appropriately through the court system."

He was backed by the National Union of Journalists because it believes the verdict could have implications for journalists everywhere.

The union continues to argue vigorously that Alan did nothing wrong and should not have been arrested.

He asked for a memory stick with photos from the incident.

Commenting on the court’s guilty verdict, NUJ Nottingham Branch secretary Kevin Stanley said: "We are naturally disappointed at the court’s decision. However, it does demonstrate the kind of daily challenges faced by journalists and photographers trying to go about their business.

"We believe that this case raises important questions about the relationship between journalists and the police.

"We particularly call on Nottinghamshire Police to ensure that guidelines – issued to staff and journalists nearly a year ago – are properly followed by officers. The guidelines, endorsed by the Chief Constable, state that journalists should not be moved on or arrested simply for doing their job.

"Despite the best efforts of the Corporate Communications Department of Nottinghamshire Police, we feel that not enough rank-and-file officers fully understand the need for these guidelines or why they are so important. We therefore call upon the Chief Constable to reiterate the letter and the spirit of the guidelines to all officers.

"In the meantime, the Branch will be taking legal advice on whether to take this case to appeal."