IPCC concludes investigation into fatal shooting of Terry Nicholas
The Independent Police Complaints Commission has concluded its independent investigation into the fatal shooting of 52-year-old Terry Nicholas.
He was shot by Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers at Hanger Green, London W5, on the evening of 15 May 2007. Mr Nicholas had left the rear of restaurant premises when he was shot by armed officers. A loaded 9 mm pistol was recovered from the scene and a bullet from this weapon was found lodged in the police vehicle carrying the officers.
The IPCC investigation obtained about 400 statements, as well as more than 350 documents and 360 exhibits, including photographic, forensic and expert evidence.
The Commission has decided the investigation report will not be sent to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS.) It is being sent to the West London Coroner in preparation for the inquest. The timing of the inquest is a matter for H M Coroner.
IPCC Commissioner Deborah Glass said: "Our investigation looked into the actions of the officers firing the shots at Terry Nicholas as well as the planning, decision making and implementation of the police operation. From our investigation there is no evidence to suggest that officers committed any offence.
"This inquiry was completed in less than six months, half the time such investigations used to take. By not sending the file to the CPS the inquest can now go ahead without any unnecessary delay.
"We will publish our full findings after the conclusion of the inquest taking into account any further evidence given there," said Deborah Glass.
ENDS
Notes for editors
The IPCC has overall responsibility for the police complaints system. Since April 2006 it has taken on responsibility for similar, serious complaints against HM Revenue and Customs and the Serious Organised Crime Agency in England and Wales.
The IPCC has the task of increasing public confidence in the complaint systems and aims to make investigations more open, timely, proportionate and fair.
The 16 Commissioners who run the IPCC guarantee its independence and by law can never have served as police officers. No Commissioner has worked for HM Revenue and Customs. They are supported by more than more than 200 independent IPCC investigators, casework managers and other specialists.
Since April 1 2004 the IPCC has used its powers to begin 171 independent and 533 managed investigations into the most serious complaints against the police. It has set new standards for police forces to improve the way the public's complaints are handled. The Commission also handles appeals by the public about the way their complaint was dealt with by the local force.
The IPCC is committed to getting closer to the communities it serves. Its Commissioners and staff are based in IPCC regional offices in Cardiff, Coalville, London and Sale plus a sub office in Wakefield.
The IPCC web site is constantly updated at www.ipcc.gov.uk or members of the public can contact the IPCC on 08453 002 002. The web site contains statistics on firearms incidents in England and Wales under news and press / useful info.
For further information contact:
James Henderson
Regional Communications Officer
Tel: 020 7166 3130
Out of hours 07717 851157
