Monday, December 14, 2009

UK: CPS to Review 1979 Protest Death

Blair Peach suffered a blow to the head

BBC | 14 December 2009

Prosecutors are to consider further investigations into the death of activist Blair Peach who was killed at a demonstration in London 30 years ago. Mr Peach, 33, was fatally injured as police dispersed an anti-fascist protest in Southall, west London.

The Crown Prosecution Service said it would review the findings of an internal inquiry into his death. It comes as police prepare to publish the report that examined if there was evidence Mr Peach was killed by police.

The report, by Commander John Cass, was thought to have recommended the prosecution of police officers, although this never happened. Despite a campaign by Mr Peach's family to release the report it has stayed secret until now.

Censored report

But in June commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson ordered it to be published, with some details censored.

The report was given to the CPS on Monday.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "At the request of the Met the CPS has agreed to review the Blair Peach Report and provide advice as to whether any further investigation would be justified. This independent oversight should provide clarity to the family of Blair Peach that the Met has exhausted all investigative options. Earlier this year the commissioner publicly stated his desire to publish the report unless there were overwhelming reasons not to do so and this view has not changed."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8412741.stm