Unlawful killing of axe man by police, jury finds

A MAN who was shot dead by police as he carried an axe in the street was unlawfully killed, an inquest jury has concluded.

Lewis Skelton, 31, died after he was shot twice by a police officer when Tasers had no effect, the jury at Hull Coroner’s Court heard during five weeks of evidence.

The inquest heard how Mr Skelton was shot in Hull after he failed to respond to officers’ instructions to stop.

The jury was told that Humberside Police received three 999 calls on November 29, 2016, saying a man was walking down Holderness Road carrying an axe.

Armed police were deployed and two officers caught up with him on Caroline Place.

The officer who fired the fatal shots – only identified as B50 – described how Mr

Skelton failed to stop when challenged and the use of Taser four times by both he and his colleague – identified only as Charlie – had no effect.

Mr Skelton, who had mental health problems, was shot twice in the back with a Glock pistol.

The officer said he shot Mr Skelton as he believed he was a threat to the lives of a group of workmen who were approaching him in the street.

Humberside Assistant Chief Constable Chris Noble said: “We are disappointed with this conclusion and are concerned that it does not undermine the confidence of officers to act decisively when making split-second decisions to protect the public.

“Our officers responded to four 999 calls to a man armed with, and waving, an unsheathed axe marching towards the city centre who did not stop despite four attempts to taser him.

“Our thoughts remain with Lewis’ family and friends, and the officers involved in this very sad and tragic event.”