'Terror suspect abuse' four not suspended

Friday, 13 August 2010 12:00 AM

By politics.co.uk staff

Four policemen facing prosecution over allegations they beat and verbally abused a terror suspect have not been suspended by the Metropolitan police.

Instead Police Constables Cowley, John Donohue, Roderick James-Bowen and Mark Jones have been placed on restricted duties, the Met said last night.

The four will appear before magistrates next month facing actual bodily harm charges.

Prosecutors allege Babar Ahmad suffered injuries including heavy bruising to the head, neck, wrists and feet after being arrested on terrorism charges in 2003. He was released without charge.

"The Metropolitan Police Service does not underestimate the seriousness of the allegations and under the Police Regulations 2008 has made the decision to restrict the duties of [the four]," the Met said in a statement.

"The restrictions will be kept under review pending the conclusion of legal processes."

The Met has already admitted in court Mr Ahmad had been subjected to violence.

He was awarded £60,000 in damages but is now in prison, detained at Long Lartin, after his extradition to the US on separate terrorism charges was blocked by the European court of human rights.

Tags:
• crime
,
• domestic policy
,
• policing and crime
,
• terrorism