Dalian Atkinson: Police apologise to family for killing ex-footballer
Former Aston Villa striker died after being kicked in head and tasered by officer during arrest
Police have sent a written apology to the family of ex-footballer Dalian Atkinson, who died after being kicked in the head and tasered by an officer.
Atkinson, a former Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich Town star, died in hospital after PC Benjamin Monk used excessive force while arresting him near his childhood home in Telford, Shropshire, in August 2016.
Monk was convicted of manslaughter and jailed for eight years in June this year after jurors heard he fired a Taser three times, including a single 33-second discharge, and left two bootlace prints on Atkinson’s forehead. He was dismissed from West Mercia Police the following week.
Pippa Mills, who took over as chief constable of the force in September, has now written to Atkinson’s family to formally apologise.
In the correspondence, she wrote that due to the European Convention on Human Rights, there was an “obligation” for her to write to them on behalf of the force to “acknowledge and accept” his human rights were breached in this case.
The letter said: “A police uniform does not grant officers immunity to behave unlawfully or to abuse their powers.
“Ben Monk’s conduct was in direct contradiction to the standards and behaviour of the policing service, and understandably undermined public confidence.”
She added: “I am deeply sorry for the devastating impact the actions of a West Mercia officer has caused you and I extend my deepest condolences to you all, and Dalian’s wider family and friends.”
Ms Mills also said she recognised the incident was “devastating” for the family, adding: “I cannot imagine the immense pain you have felt and how the significant delays with the trial have also added to your burden of grief.
“You have demonstrated great strength and dignity throughout the past five years.”
The family’s lawyer, Kate Maynard of Hickman and Rose solicitors, said in a statement the official apology was “welcomed and overdue”.
“The chief constable’s acknowledgement that a police uniform does not grant immunity is especially pertinent in a year that has seen other terrible examples of deadly police violence,” she said.
“With the first conviction of a serving police officer on a manslaughter charge connected with his policing duties in over 30 years, it is hoped that this will serve as a deterrent, and also embolden those who seek police accountability.”
West Mercia Police has been contacted for comment.
Additional reporting by Press Association