Judge: Inquiry into shooting of barrister was lawful
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A High Court judge has dismissed a claim by the family of the barrister Mark Saunders that the investigation into his killing by police was unlawful.
The 32-year-old divorce lawyer died of multiple bullet wounds in May after a five-hour stand-off at his £2.2m Chelsea flat. Mr Saunders had been shooting at police officers, neighbours and buildings with a shotgun, though his family believe he no longer posed a risk when he was gunned down.
Lawyers representing his sister, Charlotte, told a hearing last month that the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) inquiry was flawed because officers involved in the siege at the lawyer's flat were allowed to confer before recording their accounts.
Yesterday, Mr Justice Underhill agreed that allowing officers to confer meant there was a danger that the opportunity for collusion could become institutionalised. But, as well as dismissing the key claim, he also rejected the family's request that he make a declaration that there had been an unlawful failure to disclose sufficient information in the course of the investigation into the shooting. The judge gave permission for the family to appeal.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments