PC charged with murder of ex-football star Dalian
Former Villa player, 48, died after police restrained and Tasered him
A POLICEMAN appeared in court yesterday charged with the murder of former Premier League footballer Dalian Atkinson who died after being restrained and Tasered.
The officer stood in the dock beside a female colleague who is accused of causing the ex-Aston Villa striker actual bodily harm during the same incident in August 2016.
It is believed to be the first time an officer has faced a murder charge after a person was Tasered.
The two West Mercia Police officers were granted anonymity by a deputy district judge after lawyers argued that naming them could infringe their right to life, as enshrined by the European Convention of Human Rights.
This reporting restriction was described by Judge Simon Drew QC ‘almost wholly unprecedented’ at Birmingham Crown Court yesterday.
The male constable, who also faces an alternative charge of manslaughter, was referred to as Officer A during appearances at the Crown court and Birmingham Magistrates’ Court.
His female colleague, who is in her thirties, was referred to as Officer B. She indicated that she would plead not guilty yesterday. Those convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm face a maximum sentence of five years in jail.
It is highly unusual for a police officer to be charged with murder following the death of a person encountered in the line of duty. The last time was four years ago, when retired Metropolitan Police firearms officer Anthony Long was acquitted of murdering robbery suspect Azelle Rodney, 24, ten years earlier in north-west London.
Mr Atkinson, 48, died at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford, Shropshire, after being restrained outside his father’s home in the town. The circumstances have not been revealed, although at the time the Independent Police Complaints Commission – now called the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) – said none of the officers who attended was wearing body cameras.
During a distinguished career, Mr Atkinson had appeared for Sheffield Wednesday, Manchester City and Ipswich Town.
But relatives said that before his death he was ‘not in his right mind’ and had several health issues, including a weak heart.
The Crown Prosecution Service brought charges following a two-year investigation by the police watchdog.
At Birmingham Crown Court yesterday, both defendants were released on unconditional bail ahead of a plea and directions hearing on December 9. Kate Maynard, of the legal firm Hickman and Rose, which represents the Atkinson family, said: ‘Dalian’s family welcomes the decision to put the conduct of police officers before a jury, but regrets that already more than three years have passed since Dalian died.’ Anthony Bangham, West Mercia’s Chief Constable, said: ‘Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Dalian Atkinson. The officers have a right to a fair trial and we will make sure they have the appropriate support.’