29/11/2010
Gross Misconduct Alleged Over Protest Death
The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has served gross misconduct allegations against PC Simon Harwood in relation to the death of Ian Tomlinson during the G20 protests.
Mr Tomlinson collapsed and died on his way home from work during the 2009 G20 summit protests. A first postmortem examination indicated that he had suffered a heart attack brought on by coronary artery disease, and had died of natural causes.
However his death became controversial one week later when The Guardian released footage of his last moments. The video showed Tomlinson being struck on the leg from behind by PC Simon Harwood wielding an expandable baton, then being pushed to the ground. At the time he was struck, the footage showed him walking along with his hands in his pockets. He walked away after the incident, but collapsed and died moments later.
Since the Crown Prosecution Service decision in July not to prosecute PC Harwood, the MPS has brought disciplinary proceedings in liaison with the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
In the region of 14,000 documents were reviewed as part of the preparation, with approximately 1,500 pages served this morning on PC Harwood.
Following IPCC agreement to the MPS proposed misconduct allegations, PC Harwood has now been notified that he will face a gross misconduct hearing to answer allegations that he pushed and struck Mr Tomlinson, and that such dangerous actions inadvertently caused or contributed to the death of Mr Tomlinson.
The misconduct process will determine whether the officer's conduct fell below the standards required of a police officer and to provide a suitable discipline outcome should the allegation be found proven. Should the gross misconduct allegations be proven the most serious outcome available to the panel would be dismissal without notice.
(BMcN)
Mr Tomlinson collapsed and died on his way home from work during the 2009 G20 summit protests. A first postmortem examination indicated that he had suffered a heart attack brought on by coronary artery disease, and had died of natural causes.
However his death became controversial one week later when The Guardian released footage of his last moments. The video showed Tomlinson being struck on the leg from behind by PC Simon Harwood wielding an expandable baton, then being pushed to the ground. At the time he was struck, the footage showed him walking along with his hands in his pockets. He walked away after the incident, but collapsed and died moments later.
Since the Crown Prosecution Service decision in July not to prosecute PC Harwood, the MPS has brought disciplinary proceedings in liaison with the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
In the region of 14,000 documents were reviewed as part of the preparation, with approximately 1,500 pages served this morning on PC Harwood.
Following IPCC agreement to the MPS proposed misconduct allegations, PC Harwood has now been notified that he will face a gross misconduct hearing to answer allegations that he pushed and struck Mr Tomlinson, and that such dangerous actions inadvertently caused or contributed to the death of Mr Tomlinson.
The misconduct process will determine whether the officer's conduct fell below the standards required of a police officer and to provide a suitable discipline outcome should the allegation be found proven. Should the gross misconduct allegations be proven the most serious outcome available to the panel would be dismissal without notice.
(BMcN)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 March 2011
IPCC 'Song Titles' Investigation Concludes
A Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) firearms officer facing misconduct action after an Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) managed investigation has had his suspension lifted.
IPCC 'Song Titles' Investigation Concludes
A Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) firearms officer facing misconduct action after an Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) managed investigation has had his suspension lifted.
02 August 2013
Met Police Prepare To Settle With Family Of Ian Tomlinson
The Metropolitan Police have been authorised to proceed with settling a compensation agreement with the family of Ian Tomlinson, the man who died after being pushed to the ground by a police officer in 2009.
Met Police Prepare To Settle With Family Of Ian Tomlinson
The Metropolitan Police have been authorised to proceed with settling a compensation agreement with the family of Ian Tomlinson, the man who died after being pushed to the ground by a police officer in 2009.
17 September 2012
Ian Tomlinson Death: PC Harwood To Face Disciplinary Hearing
PC Simon Harwood, the officer cleared of killing Ian Tomlinson at London's G20 protests three years ago, is due to face a disciplinary hearing. Harwood, 45, of south London, will face a charge of gross misconduct after he struck the newspaper seller Ian Tomlinson shortly before he died.
Ian Tomlinson Death: PC Harwood To Face Disciplinary Hearing
PC Simon Harwood, the officer cleared of killing Ian Tomlinson at London's G20 protests three years ago, is due to face a disciplinary hearing. Harwood, 45, of south London, will face a charge of gross misconduct after he struck the newspaper seller Ian Tomlinson shortly before he died.
19 July 2012
PC Simon Harwood Found Not Guilty Of Ian Tomlinson Death
PC Simon Harwood, who struck Ian Tomlinson with a baton and pushed him to the ground at the G20 protests, has been found not guilty of manslaughter. PC Harwood, 45, of south London, denied the manslaughter, in April 2009, of Mr Tomlinson, 47, on the grounds that he used reasonable force.
PC Simon Harwood Found Not Guilty Of Ian Tomlinson Death
PC Simon Harwood, who struck Ian Tomlinson with a baton and pushed him to the ground at the G20 protests, has been found not guilty of manslaughter. PC Harwood, 45, of south London, denied the manslaughter, in April 2009, of Mr Tomlinson, 47, on the grounds that he used reasonable force.
05 December 2012
Police Whistleblower Warned Off Twitter Ahead Of Investigation
A police officer has been told not to use their Twitter account and is facing an inquiry into alleged gross misconduct after raising concerns about the reform of the service. James Patrick has spent months highlighting on a blog and on Twitter his concerns about how he believes cuts to the police service and reforms will affect public safety.
Police Whistleblower Warned Off Twitter Ahead Of Investigation
A police officer has been told not to use their Twitter account and is facing an inquiry into alleged gross misconduct after raising concerns about the reform of the service. James Patrick has spent months highlighting on a blog and on Twitter his concerns about how he believes cuts to the police service and reforms will affect public safety.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.