Police have formally apologised to the family of ex-footballer Dalian Atkinson, after an officer who Tasered and kicked him in the head was convicted over his death.
West Mercia’s Chief Constable Pippa Mills said she was “deeply sorry”.
In June, PC Benjamin Monk became the first officer in more than 30 years to be convicted of manslaughter during the course of his duties.
He was jailed for eight years after jurors were told he had used a Taser on Atkinson three times and left two bootlace prints on the 48-year-old’s forehead.
Atkinson, a former Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich Town player, died in hospital after losing consciousness following his arrest near his childhood home in Meadow Close, Telford, Shropshire, in August 2016.
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The jury heard one of the Taser discharges lasted 33 seconds – six times longer than is standard.
The letter is from Pippa Mills, the new head of the force, who took over from Anthony Bangham in September.
In the document, she wrote that due to the European Convention on Human Rights, there was an “obligation” for her to write to them on behalf of the force to “acknowledge and accept” that his human rights were breached in this case.
The letter said: “A police uniform does not grant officers immunity to behave unlawfully or to abuse their powers.
“Ben Monk’s conduct was in direct contradiction to the standards and behaviour of the policing service, and understandably undermined public confidence.”
She added: “I am deeply sorry for the devastating impact the actions of a West Mercia officer has caused you and I extend my deepest condolences to you all, and Dalian’s wider family and friends.”
Ms Mills also said she recognised the incident was “devastating” for the family, adding: “I cannot imagine the immense pain you have felt and how the significant delays with the trial have also added to your burden of grief.
“You have demonstrated great strength and dignity throughout the past five years.”
The family’s lawyer, Kate Maynard of Hickman and Rose solicitors, said in a statement the official apology is “welcomed and overdue”.
“The chief constable’s acknowledgement that a police uniform does not grant immunity is especially pertinent in a year that has seen other terrible examples of deadly police violence,” she told PA.
“With the first conviction of a serving police officer on a manslaughter charge connected with his policing duties in over 30 years, it is hoped that this will serve as a deterrent, and also embolden those who seek police accountability.”
West Mercia Police confirmed that Chief Constable Pippa Mills sent a letter to the family of Dalian Atkinson in November.
“Our sympathies remain with the family of Dalian Atkinson,” a spokesperson told i.
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3HipBx0
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