Ian Tomlinson: It’s A Crime That Pc Harwood Is The Only Copper In The Dock
WAS Ian Tomlinson murdered? No. But he was unlawfully killed. Pc Simon Hardwood, an officer with the militia-styled Territorial Support Group, hit him with baton and pushed him over.
Tomlinson had his hands in his pockets. He offered neither threat nor reistance.
Harwood used “excessive and unreasonable force”. Was that violence typical of the man and the police?
Before he pushed Tomlinson, Harwood had been twice investigated over his alleged aggressive behaviour.
While working for the Metropolitan Police, Harwood was, allegedly, involved in a road rage incident in the late 1990s. He had been due to face a misconduct hearing. But the heating never happened. Before it could, Harwood resigned from the force on medical grounds. So. That was the end of his police career? Obviously not.. He rejoined the police, working as a civilian computer worker. He was back in the system. In May 2003, Harwood applied to join Surrey Police as a PC.
In 2004, Harwood rejoined the Met.
In 2009, Harwood was with the TSG at the G20 protests. Video shows that his police identity number was not clearly displayed. His lower face was covered by a scarf.
In July 2010, the director of public prosecutions, Keir Starmer, decided not to prosecute Harwood for manslaughter. That decision has been reversed. Good. The policeman must answer for his action. He must not be above the law.
Harwood professed his inncoence through his lawyer at the inquest:
“In particular, he wishes that he had known then all that he now knows about Mr Tomlinson’s movements and fragile state of health. Pc Harwood did not intend, or foresee at the time, that his push would cause Mr Tomlinson to fall over, let alone that it would result in any injury.”
So. Pc harwood only hits and pushes people who are well and fit – who, as the jury on the inquest ruled, “pose no threat”? It is very unlikely that is what the lawyer meant. But why mention the health of Mr Tomlinson if not to paint a favourable picture of his client?
Other also see Harwood in a good light. Ulster Unionist peer Lord Maginnis opined:
“It’s worried me that you [Sir Paul Stephenson, the Metropolitan police commissioner], as a leader of the police, were prepared to sacrifice a constable who I believe should have the full support of the police service. The idea that you are going to surrender him to the vagaries of the press, who have been calling for his blood, horrifies me. I do hope the police will give some tangible support to that young constable who I believe must not be a fall guy.”
Given the pattern of events leading up to the death of Ian Tomlinson, the notion that Harwood is the fall guy seems based on more than theory.
Now there will be a trial. Justice will deal with the matter. Is Harwood guilty? We don’t know. But at least this way, the law and not the police will decide. Maybe one crime overlooked is that Harwood is the only copper in the dock. He worked as part of a sytem. He did not work alone.
July 20th, 2012 at 1:48 pm
I think the Met are unusual Stig. They have an grossly inflated opinion of themselves as a national police force (they are not). They think they are untouchable and to be fair, they are usually right on that.
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When a man like Andy Hayman can be head of the division that is supposed to ROOT OUT corruption in the met, you know that the entire organisation is a sewer of rats.
July 20th, 2012 at 12:46 pm
Emma:
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You mean while they scurry around making sure the requisite false evidence is planted and everything else possible is done to mislead the public and set things up so no Police officer gets convicted.
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In the end it doesn’t really matter so long as they only execute or wound foreigners with swarthy skin, non-Caucasians and the lower classes.
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It’s not just the UK. The police are pretty much untouchable most places in the west – The US – Rodney King, Australia.
July 20th, 2012 at 10:36 am
I am disappointed at the verdict but I’m afraid I am not surprised. In 30 years, over 1,000 deaths following police contact and not one single officer convicted of any criminal conduct. I am gutted for Ian Tomlinson’s family.
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Stig – There are unlikely to be updates as there usually is a virtual news blackout when police officers are investigated for possible crimes. One officer has been interviewed under caution, so technically the case is sub-judice. I wouldn’t hold your breath for any other conclusion than ‘the officer acted lawfully at all times’.
July 20th, 2012 at 9:20 am
I see him mentioned in the Manchester Evening News now and again but, you’re right, not much elsewhere http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/search/?searchterm=%22anthony+grainger%22&publication_id=1001§ion=&datefrom=10%2F07%2F2000&dateto=20%2F07%2F2012
July 20th, 2012 at 8:25 am
Speaking of police cover-ups, Anorak, I haven’t read a further word in the media since about April about the shooting and killing of Anthony Paul Grainger.
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That one seems to have been very successfully swept under the carpet.
July 20th, 2012 at 4:59 am
disguting!!! that this miserable,cowardly bully is still at large. our only consolation is that natural law will catch up with him….
May 26th, 2011 at 12:38 am
It gives me hope that finally an officer is being named for unlawful killing of an innocent man. His family have been persistent, consistent and have challenged the authorities.
Azelle Rodney was (edit shot six times at point blank range and end_edit) killed by the Metropolitan Police by an officer, only named publicly as E7 in 2005. We have been fighting for Justice ever since. This year we are approaching a public inquiry ordered by Ken Clarke, Justice Secretary.
A man lies dying on the ground in full public, national and global view and the police want to deny what we are all seeing…amazing lies and cover ups that anyone else would NEVER get away with. No sacking, prisoning or reprimanding, let alone apologies. What do we have to do to get Justice?