Menu
02/12/2008
Coroner Rules Out 'Unlawful Killing' In De Menezes Inquest
The jury at the inquest into the death of Jean Charles de Menezes have been told they will not be able to consider a verdict of 'unlawful killing'.
Sir Michael Wright, the coroner at the inquest into death of the 27-year-old Brazilian, who was shot dead by police at Stockwell station on 22 July 2005, began summarising seven weeks of evidence by telling the jurors they could only return an open narrative or lawful killing verdict.
He ruled, today at the Oval cricket ground, after hearing all the evidence, a verdict of unlawful killing was "not justified".
"I'm not saying that nothing went wrong in a police operation which resulted in the killing of an innocent man," he told the hearing.
In the narrowing down of the choice of verdict, Sir Michael added: "All interested persons agree that a verdict of unlawful killing could only be left to you if you could be sure that a specific officer had committed a very serious crime - murder or manslaughter."
Mr de Menezes was fatally shot by police in 2005 after he was mistakenly identified as a suicide bomber.
The Brazilian electrician was fired-upon while boarding an underground train in the capital. He took several deadly shots to the head.
Police had wrongly identified the 27-year-old man as one of four suspected bombers, who had allegedly planned an attack on the city's transport system earlier that day.
Since the inquest began in September, the 11-member jury have heard from some 100 witnesses. Among them were the two firearms officers who shot the 27-year-old, known only as C2 and C12.
Last year, the watchdog said individuals could not be held personally responsible for the mistakes that led to the shooting.
Prior to this decision the Met was fined £175,000 for breaches to health and safety rules.
In 2006 the Crown Prosecution Service decided there was insufficient evidence to charge any individual over De Menezes's death.
(JM)
Sir Michael Wright, the coroner at the inquest into death of the 27-year-old Brazilian, who was shot dead by police at Stockwell station on 22 July 2005, began summarising seven weeks of evidence by telling the jurors they could only return an open narrative or lawful killing verdict.
He ruled, today at the Oval cricket ground, after hearing all the evidence, a verdict of unlawful killing was "not justified".
"I'm not saying that nothing went wrong in a police operation which resulted in the killing of an innocent man," he told the hearing.
In the narrowing down of the choice of verdict, Sir Michael added: "All interested persons agree that a verdict of unlawful killing could only be left to you if you could be sure that a specific officer had committed a very serious crime - murder or manslaughter."
Mr de Menezes was fatally shot by police in 2005 after he was mistakenly identified as a suicide bomber.
The Brazilian electrician was fired-upon while boarding an underground train in the capital. He took several deadly shots to the head.
Police had wrongly identified the 27-year-old man as one of four suspected bombers, who had allegedly planned an attack on the city's transport system earlier that day.
Since the inquest began in September, the 11-member jury have heard from some 100 witnesses. Among them were the two firearms officers who shot the 27-year-old, known only as C2 and C12.
Last year, the watchdog said individuals could not be held personally responsible for the mistakes that led to the shooting.
Prior to this decision the Met was fined £175,000 for breaches to health and safety rules.
In 2006 the Crown Prosecution Service decided there was insufficient evidence to charge any individual over De Menezes's death.
(JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 October 2012
Attorney General Applies To Have Original Hillsborough Verdict Quashed
An application has been put forward by the Attorney General to have the original Hillsborough inquest verdict quashed. Dominic Grieve QC announced the move in Parliament in his response to the Hillsborough Independent Panel's report published on 12 September.
Attorney General Applies To Have Original Hillsborough Verdict Quashed
An application has been put forward by the Attorney General to have the original Hillsborough inquest verdict quashed. Dominic Grieve QC announced the move in Parliament in his response to the Hillsborough Independent Panel's report published on 12 September.
02 November 2007
Resignation Call On Menezes Killing Verdict
Pressure is mounting on Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair to resign over the shooting of innocent Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes. The force broke health and safety laws when officers pursued Mr Menezes to a Tube station and shot him seven times, mistaking him for a terror suspect.
Resignation Call On Menezes Killing Verdict
Pressure is mounting on Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair to resign over the shooting of innocent Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes. The force broke health and safety laws when officers pursued Mr Menezes to a Tube station and shot him seven times, mistaking him for a terror suspect.
12 December 2008
Open Verdict In De Menezes Case
A jury has returned an open verdict at an inquest into the death of Jean Charles de Menezes, the man mistakenly shot by counter terrorism police in London over three years ago. Mr de Menezes was shot by two officers while sitting on an underground train. Police had mistakenly identified the man as a suicide bomber.
Open Verdict In De Menezes Case
A jury has returned an open verdict at an inquest into the death of Jean Charles de Menezes, the man mistakenly shot by counter terrorism police in London over three years ago. Mr de Menezes was shot by two officers while sitting on an underground train. Police had mistakenly identified the man as a suicide bomber.
07 May 2009
Hogan Inquest Ruling Quashed
The High Court has ruled that there should be no fresh inquest into the death of a boy whose father pushed him from a Crete hotel balcony. An inquest verdict of unlawful killing in the case of John Hogan - who jumped with two-year-old daughter Mia and Liam, six - was today quashed.
Hogan Inquest Ruling Quashed
The High Court has ruled that there should be no fresh inquest into the death of a boy whose father pushed him from a Crete hotel balcony. An inquest verdict of unlawful killing in the case of John Hogan - who jumped with two-year-old daughter Mia and Liam, six - was today quashed.
04 November 2008
Balcony Fall Father To Appeal Inquest Ruling
A father who threw his two children off a balcony, killing his young son, has gained permission to appeal against an inquest verdict of unlawful killing. John Hogan, 34, of Bradley Stoke, South Gloucestershire, was cleared of the murder of his six-year-old son Liam, by a Greek court in January.
Balcony Fall Father To Appeal Inquest Ruling
A father who threw his two children off a balcony, killing his young son, has gained permission to appeal against an inquest verdict of unlawful killing. John Hogan, 34, of Bradley Stoke, South Gloucestershire, was cleared of the murder of his six-year-old son Liam, by a Greek court in January.
-
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.
