24th March 2011

10am Monday 28 March 2011
Before HM Assistant Deputy Coroner for City of London, Mr His Honour Judge Peter Thornton QC
Sitting at the International Dispute Resolution Centre, 70 Fleet Street, London, EC4Y 1EU

The inquest into the death of 47 year old Ian Tomlinson, who died on 1 April 2009 in the context of a heavily-policed and high profile G20 demonstration, resumes on Monday 28 March 2011, sitting before Judge Peter Thornton QC sitting as  HM Assistant Deputy Coroner. It is expected to last for 5 to 6 weeks.

Deborah Coles, Co-director of INQUEST, said:

There has been considerable public and parliamentary disquiet about the circumstances of Ian Tomlinson’s death. The inquest is the first opportunity to find out how and why Ian Tomlinson died. It is vital for both the family and public confidence that this legal process ensures robust public scrutiny of police conduct and brings to light the full facts.

Ian’s family are determined to ensure that all the circumstances of his death are brought under proper scrutiny. In particular they hope the inquest will examine:

• The instruction of Dr Freddy Patel  and the first post mortem: expert medical evidence.
• The lawfulness of the force used by PC Harwood against Mr Tomlinson.
• The training, experience of and instructions to PC Harwood and his disciplinary record.
• The relevant aspects of the police planning, operation, command and control of the G20 protests.

The family of Ian Tomlinson are being represented by members of the INQUEST Lawyers Group, counsel Matthew Ryder QC and Alison Macdonald, both of Matrix Chambers, instructed by Jules Carey of Tuckers Solicitors.

Ian Tomlinson’s family will be making no press statements until the conclusion of the inquest.

INQUEST’s briefing on the death of Ian Tomlinson

Ian Tomlinson Family Campaign

Official City of London Coroner inquest website