G20 death: Gross misconduct proceedings triggered

Tuesday, 27 July 2010 12:00 AM

By Alex Stevenson

A police officer faces gross misconduct proceedings over the death of passer-by Ian Tomlinson at last year's G20 protests.

Metropolitan police commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson told the Commons' home affairs committee that a decision had been taken to bring "swift" disciplinary proceedings against the officer involved in the case.

It follows the announcement by the director of public prosecutions last week that the Crown Prosecution Service would not be instigating any criminal charges over Mr Tomlinson's death. His family called the decision "outrageous".

"I do fully understand the Tomlinson family and public sense of anger having seen the video of the incident prior to the death of Ian Tomlinson, and I understand the level of their outrage that this did not lead to a criminal prosecution," Sir Paul told MPs.

"I can sense, I can feel it. I've got real sympathy when a family finds itself in that position."

Mr Tomlinson died on April 1st 2009 after inadvertently finding himself at the centre of a G20 protest in central London. Footage later emerged showing him being pushed to the ground by a policeman.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) had handed a file of evidence to the Met on Friday for them to consider.

"We will examine the proposed course of action before agreeing how this should proceed and respond as swiftly as possible," IPCC temporary chairman Len Jackson commented.

An inquest will soon be held into Mr Tomlinson's death which will see "full exposure of the facts," Sir Paul told the home affairs committee.

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