Police officer charged with murder over Taser death of ex-footballer

A police officer has been charged with the murder of former Aston Villa footballer Dalian Atkinson, who died after being Tasered near his father’s home in Telford in 2016.

The West Mercia Police constable, who has not been named, will appear in court later today alongside another officer charged with assault.

Mr Atkinson, 48, collapsed during an incident in the Trench area three years ago in the early hours of August 15.

He went into cardiac arrest in an ambulance on his way to hospital and medics were unable to save him.

At the time, the force said officers were called amid concerns ‘for the safety of an individual’.

Jenny Hopkins, from the CPS, said in a statement: ‘Following the death of Dalian Atkinson in Telford on 15 August 2016, the Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised a charge of murder against a West Mercia police constable.

‘A second police constable, from the same force, has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm (ABH).

‘Mr Atkinson’s family has been informed.

‘This decision was made following a careful review of all the evidence presented to us by the Independent Office for Police Conduct following an investigation.’

The IOPC said its investigation gathered evidence which indicated that police contact with Mr Atkinson involved the use of a Taser, followed by a period of restraint and other uses of force.

Neither officer was identified by the CPS for what it said were legal reasons.

The officer charged with murder has also been charged with unlawful act manslaughter as an alternative offence which, the CPS said, ‘is a lesser offence that a jury may consider if it first finds that the more serious charge has not been proved’.

The officers will appear at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday afternoon following a brief appearance at the City’s magistrates’ court.

Speaking on behalf of the family of Mr Atkinson, solicitor Kate Maynard, of Hickman and Rose, said: ‘Dalian’s family welcomes the decision to put the conduct of police officers before a jury but regrets that already more than three years have passed since Dalian died.

‘They ask for their privacy to be respected and press for the criminal proceedings to progress without delay or obstruction.’

Chief Constable Anthony Bangham, of West Mercia Police, said: ‘Our thoughts continue to remain with the family and friends of Dalian Atkinson at this difficult time.

‘We understand the need for answers, however as court proceedings are now under way it would not be appropriate for us to make any further comment regarding the circumstances of Mr Atkinson’s death.

‘The officers involved have a right to a fair trial and we will continue to make sure they have the appropriate support throughout the forthcoming criminal justice process.’