No change in Murden charges decision
SIMON Murden's parents have been told the decision not to bring criminal charges against the police officers who killed their son won't be overturned.
Ken Macdonald QC, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), met with Dorothy and David Murden this week to personally inform them he has not reconsidered his decision.
The invitation to meet the country's chief prosecutor came after the conclusion of the inquest into the charity worker's death in March, which cleared the officers involved of any wrongdoing.
Mr Murden, 26, of Spark Mill Lane, Beverley, died after being shot by firearms officers on the A63 on March 22, 2005.
He was suffering a psychotic episode and had driven his father's van the wrong way down the A63.
Mr Macdonald announced his decision not to bring criminal charges against the officers in October 2006.
However, at the conclusion to the inquest, he wrote to the Murdens to inform them he had not yet finalised his decision.
The family prepared a presentation in which they outlined the reasons they thought the officers should face a criminal court.
Today, Jim Wyatt, of Hamers Solicitors, who represents the family, confirmed Mr Macdonald had now finalised his decision.
He said: "In a private meeting, the Murden family were told by the DPP he would not be reconsidering his decision not to prosecute the officers.
"During this meeting the coroner's verdict was discussed. However, at this stage the Murdens want their discussions with the DPP to remain private."
Mr Wyatt said the Murden family are now pressing ahead with plans to meet with Humberside Police.
He added: "Following the inquest there were indications from Humberside Police that they would be prepared to meet and discuss ways forward and discuss the evidence."
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by xcalibr, Hull-ish
Monday, October 27 2008, 5:59PM
“Donna you sum up in a few words the whole tragedy of this event. Perhaps this man needed 'medical' help, family or other welfare support. The reality on this tragic day was he appeared to present a life threatening danger and did not respond to instructions - when they open fire police, and armed forces in similar situations like for example Gibraltar, shoot to kill that is the only way to be certain the threat is eliminated. I am afraid the 'just wing him' solution is a figment of boys adventure comics. It is unsavoury and unfortunate but that is what we ask these people to do on our behalf and with very little thanks.”
by pikeybob, hull
Monday, October 27 2008, 4:07PM
“they did right to pop a cap in this looneys ass!”
by donna, east riding
Monday, October 27 2008, 8:35AM
“why didnt they just shoot him in the leg to bring him down?
then arrest him and give him the medical care he clearly needed.”
by a woman, beverley
Sunday, October 26 2008, 5:47PM
“for gods sake 'LOL WUT' if there is anyone thats insane its you for even suggesting 'head shots at point blank range with a shotgun (just like in resident evil) to be 100% sure they dont live and sue.' what kind of world do YOU live in? its people like you that really p me off. my thoughts and love are with simons mum and dad and family”
by LOL WUT, Bantown
Friday, October 24 2008, 6:58PM
“Sean, the problem is if we only maim the criminals they will try and sue the police at a later date as they are now just "lovable rogues". In fact i would recommend head shots at point blank range with a shotgun (just like in resident evil) to be 100% sure they dont live and sue.”
by xcalibr, Hull-ish
Friday, October 24 2008, 3:59PM
“Sean - I understand that police use ammunition that is a)designed not to pass through a target - thereby eliminating danger to others it may otherwise strike and b) provide the maximum trauma/stopping power the intention being to stop an injured target thrashing about whilst holding a lethal weapon - the same applies to what you term shoot to kill.”
by sean, hull
Friday, October 24 2008, 2:50PM
“Simon, Hull your almost right, but the police use hollow point amunition designed to mushroom on impact therefore no exit wound but your right that they're trained to shoot to kill and not wound maybe the training methods need to change.”
by R, Hull
Thursday, October 23 2008, 10:38PM
“I am not a big supporter of the police and definitely do not approve of them carry arms. In this case it was a terrible outcome that someone lost their life but for once I do agree that the police had to do something to stop the man who was putting many people¿s lives at risk. If the police hadn¿t taken action and people had been killed there would have been a lot of complaints”
by xcalibr, Hull-ish
Thursday, October 23 2008, 6:28PM
“David I'm not sure how I would react. This man was not a child. He chose to get involved in substance abuse and created this incident. I won't bore you or the rest of the readers with chapter and verse about the content of the father's phone call to the police on that tragic night or the garbage that has since been uttered in an attempt to lay the blame at the door of those police officers that we all look to to take split second and life threatening decisions to protect us. This matter has been thoroughly aired in investigations by the IPCA, DPP and Coroners Court - it really is time they let the matter rest. It must be very tempting for those police officers who have throughout been found to be blameless, or their families, to point out to the Murden's the truth in more brutal terms - they have clearly decided to act with more dignity.”
by Simon, Hull
Thursday, October 23 2008, 5:26PM
“The Police tried alternative measures before using the live rounds what more could they have done.
They shoot to kill as policy states, they aren't trained snipers and definitely don't shoot in arms or legs bullets could travel through limbs and hit a innocent bystander.
People should realise a rubber bullet is almost the same size a coke can and when getting hit by one of them means business.
If the Police hadn't done what they did and Simon went on to kill or harm innocent people all the do gooders would be complaining why the Police hadn't shot him.
As always lose lose situation for the Police.”