(G20 protester killed by cops) Ian Tomlinson inquest hears police officer 'feared for his life'

[alp227]

Source: The Guardian

The police officer who pushed Ian Tomlinson to the ground during the G20 protests two years ago told an inquest into the newspaper seller's death that he had been "in fear for my life".

PC Simon Harwood was advised by the coroner, Peter Thornton, that he was not obliged to answer any question that could incriminate him as he took the witness stand for the first time and came face to face with Tomlinson's grieving family.

His opening remark that he was "here to help the family" was met with snorts of derision in the public gallery and Tomlinson's son, Paul King, stormed out of the hearing. Tomlinson's widow, Julia, also left the room, followed by several tearful members of the family.

Thornton told Harwood: "I'm sure that you know, and no doubt will have been advised, that you are not obliged to answer any question tending to incriminate you. It may well be that I shall repeat that warning to you later."

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/apr/04/ian-tomlinson-inquest-simon-harwood

[provis99]

1. typical cowardly fascist cop.

[1monster]

2. Check out the video where it says "Editor's Picks" on the left of the page.

There is no way in hell that cop's testimony is what happened. He killed that man because he could, not because he was in fear of his life. He came up from behind. Ian King was in no way threatening at all.

I sincerely hope they charge him with at least the British equivelent of Involuntary Manslaugher. It should be a harsher charge, but that is probably the best one could hope for.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/g20-police-assault-ian-tomlinson

edit: forgot to ad the link

[Swede]

3. Fucking cowardly bullies lying their lying asses off.

Disgusting.

[Dawson Leery]

4. A Coward, a tool of the powerful, that is what this porker is.

[Downwinder]

5. He sure picked the wrong job if he feared a weaponless man

with his back to him moving away. So much for the macho police image.