Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Ian Tomlinson family storm out of inquest as shove officer claims 'I'm here to help'

Ian Tomlinson family storm out of inquest as shove officer claims 'I'm here to help'by Wendy Fuller, Daily Mirror 5/04/2011

IAN Tomlinson’s relatives stormed out of the inquest into his death yesterday when the officer who shoved him said he wanted to help.

PC Simon Harwood pushed the newspaper seller, 47, to the ground moments before he died during the G20 protests in April 2009.

Judge Peter Thornton QC, sitting at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London, told the officer he did not have to answer ­incriminating questions.

But Mr Harwood said: “I’m here to help the inquest and give answers to the family.”

At this, Ian’s relatives, including stepson Paul King, walked out of the hearing.

A pathologist earlier ruled Mr Tomlinson died of natural causes but video footage questioned the decision.

The inquest continues.

Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/04/05/ian-tomlinson-family-storm-out-of-inquest-as-shove-officer-claims-i-m-here-to-help-115875-23038411/#ixzz1IeRvXaw8