3 May 2011 Last updated at 16:18Ian Tomlinson unlawfully killed by Pc at G20 protests
Ian Tomlinson collapsed at the G20 protests in London two years ago
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Ian Tomlinson was unlawfully killed by a Metropolitan Police officer at the G20 protests, an inquest jury has said.
The 47-year-old collapsed and died after he was hit by a baton and pushed to the ground by Pc Simon Harwood at the demonstrations on 1 April 2009.
The jury decided that Pc Harwood used "excessive and unreasonable" force in striking him.
Mr Tomlinson, who was not taking part in the protests in London, posed no threat, the jury added.
Criminal proceedings could reopen against Pc Harwood after jurors ruled he acted illegally, recklessly and dangerously.
The case is set to be reviewed by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Met Police after the evidence of Pc Harwood and pathologist Dr Freddy Patel was discredited by the verdict.
'Huge relief'Last year, prosecutors said a decision not to pursue charges against Pc Harwood could be reviewed depending on the inquest findings.
Jurors took four-and-a-half hours to reach their verdict. The other possible verdicts available to them were misadventure, natural causes and open.
Jules Carey, of the Tomlinson family's solicitors, said: "Today's decision is a huge relief to Mr Tomlinson's family.
"To many, today's verdict will seem like a statement of the blindingly obvious, however this fails to take account of the significant and many obstacles faced by the family over the last two years to get to this decision.
"The CPS will now review whether a prosecution will be brought following today's verdict and the way in which the evidence has been clarified during the inquest process."
'New evidence'The CPS said a "thorough" review would take place.
A spokesman said: "It will take into account all of the evidence now available, including any new evidence that emerged at the inquest, the issues left by the coroner to the jury and the conclusions they reached.
"The review will be conducted as quickly as is compatible with the care and rigour required in a thorough exercise."
The Independent Police Complaints Commission said it acknowledged the verdict and would be publishing various reports on the incident.
Tuesday 3 May 2011
BBC News - Ian Tomlinson unlawfully killed by Pc at G20 protests
via bbc.co.uk
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