The Crown Prosecution Service has announced that it will bring criminal proceedings against police officer Paul White for perjury, following the investigation into the evidence given by the officer at the inquest into the death of Sean Rigg. The decision follows a review of the case under the CPS Victims' Right to Review (VRR) scheme.
Sean Rigg died on 21 August 2008 whilst in police custody at Brixton police station. He was initially held in a police van for eleven minutes before being transferred into the police station.
Marcia Rigg, Sean’s sister, said:
“I welcome today’s announcement of the charge of perjury against PS White. I speak for all my family in asking those involved in this prosecution to ensure that no fear or favour is given to the defendant and that the prosecution goes ahead as speedily as possible.”
Paul White gave evidence at the inquest in July 2012, in which Sean’s family was represented by Leslie Thomas QC and Tom Stoate, instructed by Daniel Machover and Helen Stone of Hickman and Rose.
The CPS announcement is also available.
Leslie Thomas QC and Tom Stoate are members of Garden Court Chambers Inquest Team.
