30th July 2014

The Crown Prosecution Service has concluded there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest for the officer, known as E7, who shot and killed Azelle Rodney on 30 April 2005, to be prosecuted for murder.  However, the CPS also determined that no charges should be brought against the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, as the corporation sole, under the Health and Safety at Work Act. 

The Azelle Rodney Inquiry, which was held in place of an inquest, concluded on 5 July 2013 with the Chairman of the Inquiry, Sir Christopher Holland, finding that E7 did not have a lawful justification for killing Mr Rodney.  The report also found that there were serious failures by the Metropolitan Police in the planning and control of the pre-planned armed operation which led to Mr Rodney’s death.

Susan Alexander, Azelle Rodney’s mother, said:

“I am very pleased at the CPS’s decision to prosecute the officer who killed  my son.  I have waited a long time to see this day and hope this prosecution will lead to justice for Azelle. 

“Whilst I am disappointed at the decision not to prosecute the Commissioner in relation to the failures which were found by Sir Christopher Holland regarding the planning and control of the operation, his report makes clear that there were significant failures on the part of the Metropolitan Police and we deserve an immediate and unreserved apology for those failures.”

Daniel Machover of Hickman and Rose, solicitor for Susan Alexander, said:

“Azelle’s family welcomes the decision of the CPS. It is now over nine years since Azelle died and his family therefore looks forward to prosecutions taking place as speedily as possible in order that justice for Azelle can be achieved and they can then look at trying to rebuild their lives.

“In respect of the CPS’s decision not to prosecute the Commissioner, Ms Alexander awaits the reasoning of the CPS and will consider her options accordingly.  However, what is already very clear from the report of the Chairman of the Azelle Rodney Inquiry is that, through the Metropolitan Police Service’s failures in the planning and control of the operation, Azelle Rodney’s right to life was breached.  The Commissioner should publicly apologise to Ms Alexander for these failures.”

INQUEST has been working with the family of Azelle Rodney since his death in 2005.  The family is represented by INQUEST Lawyers Group members Daniel Machover and Helen Stone of Hickman and Rose, and Leslie Thomas QC of Garden Court Chambers and Adam Straw of Doughty Street Chambers.

Neither the family, INQUEST or the solicitors will be making any further comment at this time.

Ends

Notes to editors:

1. Comprehensive information on the death of Azelle Rodney and the subsequent inquiry can be found on the INQUEST websitehere

Please refer to INQUEST the organisation in all capital letters in order to distinguish it from the legal hearing.