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Open verdict at Menezes inquest Open verdict at Menezes inquest
(10 minutes later)
The jury at the inquest into the mistaken shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes has returned an open verdict.The jury at the inquest into the mistaken shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes has returned an open verdict.
Two officers shot Mr de Menezes seven times as he sat on a train at Stockwell Underground station, south London. They thought he was a suicide bomber.Two officers shot Mr de Menezes seven times as he sat on a train at Stockwell Underground station, south London. They thought he was a suicide bomber.
The jury returned the verdict after deliberating for a week.The jury returned the verdict after deliberating for a week.
A solicitor for the Menezes family said it was the best verdict they could hope for, given that unlawful killing was not on offer.A solicitor for the Menezes family said it was the best verdict they could hope for, given that unlawful killing was not on offer.
The jury of 10 were asked specific questions about whether or not a series of events on 22 July 2005 contributed to the 27-year-old's death. The jury of 10 were asked 12 specific questions about whether or not a series of events on 22 July 2005 contributed to the 27-year-old's death.
A majority of the jury said that they did not believe officers had shouted "armed police" before opening fire.A majority of the jury said that they did not believe officers had shouted "armed police" before opening fire.
A majority of the jury said that they did not believe officers had shouted "armed police" before opening fire Key people at the Menezes inquestA majority of the jury said that they did not believe officers had shouted "armed police" before opening fire Key people at the Menezes inquest
Turning to Mr de Menezes' actions, they said they believed he had stood up from his seat before being shot - but they did not believe he had moved towards the first officer to open fire. They said said they believed Mr Menezes had stood up from his seat before being shot. However they did not believe he had moved towards the first officer to open fire.
His family had earlier withdrawn from the inquest after the coroner said the jury could not return a verdict of unlawful death at the hands of police. Mr Menezes' family had earlier withdrawn from the inquest after the coroner told the jury they would not be able to return a verdict of unlawful death at the hands of police.
Sir Michael Wright, the coroner at the three-month-long inquest at the Oval Cricket Ground in London, said the facts did not justify allowing the jury to consider an unlawful killing. Sir Michael Wright, the coroner at the three-month-long inquest held at the Oval Cricket Ground in London, said the facts did not justify allowing the jury to consider an unlawful killing.
Throughout the inquest, Metropolitan Police officers told the hearings they honestly believed the Brazilian was one of the four failed bombers who attempted to strike London on 21 July 2005.Throughout the inquest, Metropolitan Police officers told the hearings they honestly believed the Brazilian was one of the four failed bombers who attempted to strike London on 21 July 2005.
Mr de Menezes' family and supporters challenged this version of events, saying they wanted answers to why surveillance officers could not identify the man they were following - and why two specialist officers shot the electrician at close range.Mr de Menezes' family and supporters challenged this version of events, saying they wanted answers to why surveillance officers could not identify the man they were following - and why two specialist officers shot the electrician at close range.
Split-second decisions
Speaking after the verdict, Paul McKeever, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said the verdict marked the end of "a long and traumatic inquiry" for the De Menezes family and the police officers involved.
He said a "huge responsibility" was placed on firearms officers who were expected to make split-second life and death decisions.
"The officers involved in this incident believed their actions were proportionate and necessary from the information available to them at the time.
"They put their lives at serious risk on behalf of the community they serve," he added.
He said it should be remembered there was an unprecedented level of threat at that time.
"No-one has lost sight of the fact that a young man has lost his life, or that we need to ensure lessons are learned and safeguards put in place to protect police officers and the public they serve," he added.