Mr Tomlinson was unlawfully killed by a Met policeman

[edam]

The jury decided Pc Harwood acted illegally, recklessly and dangerously, and used "excessive and unreasonable" force in striking Mr Tomlinson.

Jurors added Mr Tomlinson was posing no threat and was walking away from police lines.

Am so glad his family have some small measure of justice. And the jury saw through that appalling attempt at a cover up when the Met called in their pet, incompetent pathologist to claim it was natural death, FFS.

Here's hoping the CPS sort their ruddy act out and charge Harwood over the death. Or prosecute the met over health and safety as they did with Jean Charles de Menezes.

Apparently the officer concerned has been the subject of previous complaints...

About time too. If it had been anyone other than a police officer who had done that, they'd have quite rightly been in court on a charge of manslaughter so fast their head would spin. That pathologist should spend some time in the dock as well although I seriously doubt he will even though there have been multiple findings of misconduct against him. The GMC always protect their own.

Did you read the Met Police's Deputy Assistant Commissioner's (what, they couldn't have got anyone properly senior to say anything?) mealy-mouthed 'apology'? FFS.

So :(, the whole thing.

Watching the video footage, that police officer was definitely on a mission. I think he attacked three people before Mr Tomlinson - or was it four?

What do their commanding officers say to the squad before they go out to police a peaceful protest? Why do they see demonstrators as their enemies? Did you see what happened during the Royal Wedding to the middle-aged man who made a false guillotine as a part of a street theatre act, nowhere near the actual wedding? I think he was kept in custody without charge for 25 hours. What's that about?

So sad for his family. Seeing him all forlorn just trying to get home and all his routes blocked

Seeing the footage of Harwood grappling with 4 other people in the preceding seven minutes, while he was meant to be the driver and close to his van. It's a fucking travesty and I bet he won't be punished as anyone else would be in the same circs

Horrid

Ooh, I've just noticed - there's a MN webchat with Shami Chakrabati on tomorrow. What perfect timing.

too bloody right too !!

Yes, it's desperately sad for his family. I hope the fact the jury saw through Harwood's lies brings them some small measure of comfort.

It was handy for the Met that the verdict came out today, of all days, though, when the news is dominated by Bin Laden.

Good point re. Shami coming on, must remember to turn up for that.

Mellowfruitfulness I do agree with your post. I put up a comment in the politics thread just now, before I saw a thread was already in 'In the News'.

The price of freedom is eternal vigilance; it's far too easy for the police to become drunk on their power, and to abuse it.

Rudyard Kipling wrote:
'He shall mark our goings, question whence we came,
Set his guards about us, as in Freedom's name.
He shall peep and mutter, and the night shall bring
Watchers 'neath our window, lest we mock the King.'

I haven't seen the video footage which shows Mr Tomlinson being attacked, actually I'm not sure I can bear to look. I didn't know that PC Harwood was lashing out left, right and centre before he started on Mr Tomlinson. In that case, he is an absolute disgrace to our police force and should have been suspended from active duty as soon as anyone clapped eyes on the film of how he behaved. Don't suppose that happened, though?

I found the whole story so sad and I feel so sorry for the family and friends involved.

Although I admire the work of the Police the behaviour of the Police in this incident was disgusting. I understand the police are pushed to the limit sometimes with things they have to deal with but that's there job, to remain IN CONTROL and not let people/situations get to them. This is what they signed up for. If they can't remain in control of themselves then they shouldn't be doing the job.

The downside of any prosecution through the CPS is that they and the police are one, a PPS system is needed in these cases which is what N.I uses. I am glad that the family now have some form of closure and I do hope they are succesful with a criminal prosecution against the MET and that thug of an officer.