The Crown Prosecution Service has announced today that it intends to prosecute a former Metropolitan Police firearms officer who shot Azelle Rodney for murder.
Following the finding of unlawful killing at the Azelle Rodney Inquiry 12 months ago, the Independent Police Complaints Commission re-referred the matter to the CPS, providing new evidence. After considering this, the CPS have in turn decided that there is sufficient evidence for the former officer - known as E7 - to be charged, and that this is in the public interest.
At the same time, the CPS has decided that no charges should be brought against the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
E7 will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court for a preliminary hearing on 10 September 2014.
Susan Alexander, Azelle Rodney's mother, said:
"I am very pleased at the CPS’s decision to prosecute the officer who killed my son. I have waited a long time to see this day and hope this prosecution will lead to justice for Azelle."
Leslie Thomas QC, who represented Susan Alexander at the Inquiry said:
"It is legal history that a former Metropolitan Police Service firearms officer is on a charge of murder."
Daniel Machover of Hickman and Rose, solicitor for Susan Alexander, said:
"Azelle’s family welcomes the decision of the CPS. It is now over nine years since Azelle died and his family therefore looks forward to prosecutions taking place as speedily as possible in order that justice for Azelle can be achieved and they can then look at trying to rebuild their lives."
As criminal proceedings have now commenced, the legal team and the family will not be commenting further at this time.
Further details about the case are available from the INQUEST press release.
The CPS statement on the decision is also available on their website.
This latest development has been reported in the media, including by the BBC, Channel 4, and the Guardian.
Leslie Thomas QC represented the family of Azelle Rodney at the Inquiry, leading Adam Straw. They were instructed by Daniel Machover and Helen Stone of Hickman and Rose. The family are supported by INQUEST.
Leslie Thomas QC is a barrister specialising in inquests and claims against the police and public authorities.
