It now appears that the Director of Public Prosecutions (Mr Keir Starmer QC) is to review the earlier decision relating to the prosecution of the officer who pushed Mr Tomlinson. The Inquest was notable for the evidence of a number of pathologists three of whom contradicted the findings of Dr Patel the first pathologist to conduct a post mortem examination. The jury had been told by the City of London Assistant Deputy Coroner His Honour Judge Peter Thornton QC that, in order to return a verdict of unlawful killing, they had to be sure beyond a reasonable doubt that the Police action caused the death - (see Directions here).
The final directions to the jury may be read here. The Coroner reminded the jury of the purpose of an Inquest and emphasized that they could not express any opinion on criminal or civil liability.
There will be more to come on this matter. Apart from the DPP reviewing the decision relating to prosecution, there is to be a Police Misconduct Hearing.
Previous Posts: 15th April 2011 ... 4th October 2010 ... 27th July 2010 ... 22nd July 2010
See Ian Tomlinson Inquest website and the Tomlinson Family's website.
Addendum 5th May 2011: Press Statement by the Metropolitan Police
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