Judge urges ax for policeman in choking death of black man

A US judge has recommended that a New York police officer accused of placing a black man in a banned choke hold just before his death five years ago should be fired, sources told AFP Friday.

The landmark case fueled nationwide "Black Lives Matter" protests calling for police to be held accountable for the deaths of unarmed African-Americans in custody or facing arrest.

NYPD Deputy Commissioner and departmental administrative judge Rosemarie Maldonado oversaw the disciplinary process for officer Daniel Pantaleo, who was accused of contributing to the death of Eric Garner, 43, during an arrest on July 17, 2014.

Her recommendation that he be sacked will be examined by New York Police Commissioner James O'Neill, who will make the final decision.

Expectations for the outcome are high, particularly in the African-American community and especially since Pantaleo has not faced charges for his involvement in the case.

Four officers attempted to arrest Garner on suspicion of illegally selling ..