The Met Police have paid out and apologised to the family of Ian Tomlinson who died after being shoved to the ground.

Today Scotland Yard apologised “unreservedly” for the “excessive and unlawful force” used by the then-PC Simon Harwood, who is from Carshalton.

47-year-old newspaper vendor was hit with a baton and shoved by Harwood during the G20 protests in the City of London, in 2009. Minutes later he collapsed and died.

An out of court settlement has been agreed with Mr Tomlinson’s family.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Maxine de Brunner said: "I take full responsibility for the actions of Simon Harwood on April, 1, 2009.

“His actions fell far below the standard we expect from our officers. I accept the finding of the inquest that Mr Tomlinson was unlawfully killed.

“As the jury found, ‘at the time of the strike and push Mr Tomlinson was walking away from the police line. He was complying with police instructions to leave Royal Exchange Buildings. He posed no threat’.

“Today, I apologise unreservedly for Simon Harwood’s use of excessive and unlawful force, which caused Mr Tomlinson’s death, and for the suffering and distress caused to his family as a result.”

She said the force had “got it wrong” when it came to disciplining Mr Harwood and that the case highlighted “significant failings in the vetting procedures” at the Met.

PC Harwood was acquitted of manslaughter in July last year, a charge which he denied.

After his acquittal the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) ruled PC Harwood should face the internal Metropolitan Police disciplinary proceedings.

He was found guilty of gross misconduct and sacked from the Met Police.
 

 

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