BLAIR'S DECISION ON SYLVESTER CASE PREMATURE - FEATHERSTONE

2.26.50pm GMT Thu 11th Nov 2004

Responding to the Deputy Commissioner's decision to reinstate the seven officers involved in the death of Roger Sylvester before the judge has given his written evidence, Lynne Featherstone, Liberal Democrat member of the Metropolitan Police Authority, said,

"It is unfortunate that the Deputy Commissioner has decided to reinstate the officers involved in the Roger Sylvester case before the judge has provided a full written judgment.

"This decision will have a huge impact on the confidence of London's communities in the police service.

"Without knowing why the judge said what he said, how can Londoners be sure that the Deputy Commissioner has made the right decision?"

ENDS