NO PROBE INTO POLICE KILLING.
Byline: IAN HERONTHE government has rejected demands for a full public inquiry into the police shooting of Toxteth man James Ashley.
Home Office minister John Denham said: "We do not believe that we need an inquiry to tell us what needs to be done."
That sparked outrage from Riverside MP Louise Ellman who has campaigned on behalf of the Ashley family.
She said: "How can it be that a naked, unarmed man can be shot dead by the police in a botched raid and there is no opportuinity to question publicly the people responsible?
"I will not let this rest."
Mr Ashley was killed when armed police raided his Hastings flat three years ago in the mistaken belief that he was an armed and dangerous drug dealer.
Sussex Police chief Paul Whitehouse resigned earlier this year after several of the officers involved were promoted.
Since then the Ashley family have repeatedly called for an inquiry but ministers were reluctant because of ongoing disciplinary procedures.
Mr Denham, in a letter to Mrs Ellman, said: "At this stage we do not see that as the best way forward. We hope that we will be able to resolve all the issues without a public inquiry by the action which is being taken by the Police Authority to restore confidence in policing in Sussex."
He pointed to disciplinary action, reforms of the police complaints system and lessons learnt in relation to the police use of firearms and intelligence.
He said: "Much has been done already and we will ensure that the remaining issues are fully dealt with."
Mr Denham expressed "deep regret" about the killing and the protracted time it has taken to make a decision.
"I want the family to be satisfied that the appropriate responses have been made and that measures have been put in place to minimise the possibility of a similar event occurring anywhere else."
CAPTION(S):
SHOT BY POLICE: James Ashley died in Brighton
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| Publication: | Liverpool Echo (Liverpool, England) |
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| Date: | Sep 11, 2001 |
| Words: | 326 |
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