08/01/2014

Mark Duggan 'Lawfully Killed' Jury Finds

The jury at the inquest into the death of Mark Duggan, who was shot dead by police, has reached its conclusion.

Mr Duggan, 29, was killed by officers in August 2011 in Tottenham, north London.

His death sparked a number of serious riots in the city when quickly spread to other cities throughout England.

The jury at the inquest were able to decide whether the father of four was either shot lawfully or unlawfully, or return with an open conclusion.

The inquest commenced in September 2013 and jurors retired to consider their verdict last month. At the time, Judge Keith Cutler told them to come to a decision "on the evidence and the evidence alone".

On Wednesday, they said Mr Duggan had been lawfully killed by a majority of eight to two.

When asked if the Met did "the best they could have done in the 30 hours leading up to the shooting to react to the intelligence they had on Mark Duggan in the best way", the jury said no.

By a majority of nine to one on the jury, Duggan is believed to have thrown the firearm as soon as his minicab came to a stop and before he faced police. The jury also said Mark Duggan did not have a gun in his hand when he was shot.

Following the verdict, lawyers present were said to be trying to calm the court room as people shouted abuse at the jurors.

(JP)

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