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12/12/2008
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.
His family today said an open verdict was the best they could have hoped for, after an unlawful killing verdict was ruled out.
Only two options remained for the jury, a lawfully killing verdict or an open verdict. The 10 jurors returned the latter.
The Metropolitan Police said Mr de Menezes's death had been a tragic mistake.
Most controversially, the majority of the jury said they believed officers had not shouted "armed police" at Mr de Menezes prior to shooting him several times.
They also rejected that Mr de Menezes' innocent behaviour had increased suspicions.
Acting Met Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson today accepted full responsibility for the man's death, which he described as a "most terrible mistake" that he "deeply regretted".
"He was an innocent man and we must accept full responsibility for his death," said Sir Paul.
The inquest was presided over by Coroner Sir Michael Wright for three months at the Oval Cricket Ground in London.
Sir Michael had previously said the facts did not justify allowing the jury to consider an unlawful killing.
(PR)
Mr de Menezes was shot by two officers while sitting on an underground train. Police had mistakenly identified the man as a suicide bomber.
His family today said an open verdict was the best they could have hoped for, after an unlawful killing verdict was ruled out.
Only two options remained for the jury, a lawfully killing verdict or an open verdict. The 10 jurors returned the latter.
The Metropolitan Police said Mr de Menezes's death had been a tragic mistake.
Most controversially, the majority of the jury said they believed officers had not shouted "armed police" at Mr de Menezes prior to shooting him several times.
They also rejected that Mr de Menezes' innocent behaviour had increased suspicions.
Acting Met Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson today accepted full responsibility for the man's death, which he described as a "most terrible mistake" that he "deeply regretted".
"He was an innocent man and we must accept full responsibility for his death," said Sir Paul.
The inquest was presided over by Coroner Sir Michael Wright for three months at the Oval Cricket Ground in London.
Sir Michael had previously said the facts did not justify allowing the jury to consider an unlawful killing.
(PR)
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22 August 2005
Menezes shooting – Brazilian delegates arrive in UK
Two Brazilian delegates have arrived in Britain to meet with the Independent Police Complaints Commission and Metropolitan police over the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes.
Menezes shooting – Brazilian delegates arrive in UK
Two Brazilian delegates have arrived in Britain to meet with the Independent Police Complaints Commission and Metropolitan police over the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes.
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 December 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'.
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'.
19 August 2005
Menezes family calls for Met police chief to resign
The family of Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes have called for Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair to resign over the wrongful shooting and for the officers involved to be prosecuted.
Menezes family calls for Met police chief to resign
The family of Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes have called for Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair to resign over the wrongful shooting and for the officers involved to be prosecuted.
22 September 2008
De Menezes Inquest Opens
An inquest into the death of Jean Charles de Menezes has been launched in London. 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.
De Menezes Inquest Opens
An inquest into the death of Jean Charles de Menezes has been launched in London. 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.
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