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UK: Alder officers cleared

01 August 2002

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In June, after a three-month long trial, the five police officers charged with the manslaughter of Christopher Alder were cleared of all charges. The outcome was foretold by Christopher's sister, Janet, over a year ago when she said: "They have done all that they can to cover it up.. I have no confidence in these people.. I expect nothing." However, Janet's prediction was perhaps inevitable - not since 1969 has a policeman been convicted for involvement in a black death in custody. Christopher died in Queen's Gardens police station, Hull, in April 1998, after being detained by police officers. He was dumped on the floor of the police station with his trousers around his ankles, doubly incontinent and struggling to breathe. As he lay dying for ten minutes the police officers joked and made monkey noises, but this taped evidence was inadmissible because it was not possible to identify which officer made the sounds. Lesser charges of misconduct were also dismissed because there was not enough evidence "to prove that each defendant behaved wilfully." Crown prosecution Service press release 21.6.02; CARF 68 (Autumn) 2002.

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