PyramidHead: I obviously didn't look through the various possibilities here...I obviously think there is only two options. Silly me. The problem is...if it was as simple as that, we would all be judges. It isn't. You have to take in many different considerations...obviously. So, I'll have my opinion and wait for the proffesionals to give theirs. Ok?
It was unacceptable whether or not the man died. He should have been brought before a disciplinary hearing even had the man got up and walked home. Of course this would never have happened, this sort of abuse goes on all the time and we never hear about it. The fact that the man did die brings this unacceptable behaviour to our attention and highlights the culture of confrontational and aggressive policing which seems to have developed in the met. I think he should absolutely be discharged from the police and get whichever criminal charge is appropriate, having probably precipitated the death of an innocent man.
I agree. I'm sure it does occur on ocassion. "all the time"? I'm not sure. Of the 20 - or so - groups of protestors that day, two had altercations with police. Two groups failed to explain what they would be doing that day, and failed to liaise with police. Guess which two groups had altercations with police, and guess which ones didn't? I'm hoping for the lowest criminal charge possible. That's just how I view it. If he gets the book thrown at him, so be it.
He beat that shit out of a man and he died because he was beaten Thats the top and bottom of it Even if it had been some underlying disorder that made Ian Tomlinson weaker (which it seems isnt the case here) he was still killed by police...If you beat the crap out of a random stranger, with weapons too, its a given that you could kill them. You dont know them or their tolerances, ailments or limits Not only this, but they tried to cover up the facts about this poor mans death I hope he gets the maximum charge possible, but I highly doubt that will happen
Yes, this individual is not just a fall guy for the wider problems of unacceptable police behaviour and attitudes but has personally engaged in serious criminal behaviour resulting in loss of life. He needs to face the full legal consequences of his actions.
hmmmm. i dunno, it was unproffesional and the guy obviously shouldn't have given him a wack but he's just a bloke whos made a mistake in my eyes. i've seen fights before where someone has hit another and it was never with any intent to kill that person, and if they had killed someone with one punch i wouldnt wish them to have the same punishment as someone who murders in cold blood. i feel that wouldn't be fair, it would have been an accident no matter which way you look at it. unfortunate and certianly a degree of punishment should be put at there door, but the fact is not many people would lash out completely unprovoked and for no obvious reason, they were provoked and as nice as it would be to take into account an infinte list of possibilties about the persons mental health, physical health and possible ailments, people get caught up in the moment. you don't know what went on and what that bloke has said to the officer, i can't see a reason for him to hit him while he was walking away unless he had some sort of hateful comment. everyone has a breaking point and unfortuantly that officer snapped, hit a chap, who was probably no angel and giving him a bit of lip and he died later. in my view a punishment yes, but not one for murder.
Are we watching the same incident? I saw a very heavy handed push... I didn't see anybody beat the shit of the poor chap.
IPCC demands change in police tactics after G20 protests inquiry http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/aug/06/ipcc-police-public-protests
Police learn Tomlinson officer could face manslaughter charge http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/aug/04/ian-tomlinson-police-ipcc-inquiry
