Police have despatched a written apology to the household of ex-footballer Dalian Atkinson, who died after being kicked within the head and tasered by an officer.
Atkinson, a former Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich City star, died in hospital after PC Benjamin Monk used extreme drive whereas arresting him close to his childhood residence in Telford, Shropshire, in August 2016.
Monk was convicted of manslaughter and jailed for eight years in June this 12 months after jurors heard he fired a Taser thrice, together with a single 33-second discharge, and left two bootlace prints on Atkinson’s brow. He was dismissed from West Mercia Police the next week.
Pippa Mills, who took over as chief constable of the drive in September, has now written to Atkinson’s household to formally apologise.
Within the correspondence, she wrote that as a result of European Conference on Human Rights, there was an “obligation” for her to put in writing to them on behalf of the drive to “acknowledge and settle for” his human rights had been breached on this case.
The letter stated: “A police uniform doesn’t grant officers immunity to behave unlawfully or to abuse their powers.
“Ben Monk’s conduct was in direct contradiction to the requirements and behavior of the policing service, and understandably undermined public confidence.”
She added: “I’m deeply sorry for the devastating influence the actions of a West Mercia officer has induced you and I lengthen my deepest condolences to you all, and Dalian’s wider household and buddies.”
Former West Mercia Police PC Benjamin Monk was jailed for eight years for manslaughter
(PA)
Ms Mills additionally stated she recognised the incident was “devastating” for the household, including: “I can not think about the immense ache you may have felt and the way the numerous delays with the trial have additionally added to your burden of grief.
“You will have demonstrated nice energy and dignity all through the previous 5 years.”
The household’s lawyer, Kate Maynard of Hickman and Rose solicitors, stated in an announcement the official apology was “welcomed and overdue”.
“The chief constable’s acknowledgement {that a} police uniform doesn’t grant immunity is particularly pertinent in a 12 months that has seen different horrible examples of lethal police violence,” she stated.
“With the primary conviction of a serving police officer on a manslaughter cost linked along with his policing duties in over 30 years, it’s hoped that this can function a deterrent, and in addition embolden those that search police accountability.”
West Mercia Police has been contacted for remark.
Extra reporting by Press Affiliation
Kaynak: briturkish.com
