Post by Taxigirl on Nov 13, 2003 9:47:37 GMT
The chief of Sussex Police is due to apologise in person for his force's shooting of an unarmed man in his home.
The 1998 death of James Ashley, 39, in St Leonards, Sussex, led to one officer being charged with murder, and the then chief constable resigning.
His successor, Ken Jones, will travel to Liverpool himself to say sorry to Mr Ashley's parents and other relatives.
No officers were found guilty and none was sacked. Mr Ashley's family has called for a full public inquiry.
Mr Ashley was shot in front of his girlfriend during a bungled night-time drugs raid.
Incorrect intelligence reports had suggested he might be armed.
Acquitted
An investigation subsequently revealed police guidelines had not been followed during the raid.
The officer charged with murder was acquitted after arguing he had acted in self-defence.
He said he had mistakenly believed he himself was about to be shot, as Mr Ashley was coming towards him.
Four other officers were also cleared of misconduct and neglect of duty in two separate trials.
Former chief constable Paul Whitehouse was later forced to resign after pressure from Home Secretary David Blunkett.
Mr Ashley's family have welcomed the apology, but criticised the time it has taken - saying they began writing to the force, demanding that it say sorry, in 1998.
They also believe they still do not have all the answers into Mr Ashley's death, and have called for a full public inquiry.
Mr Ashley's brother Tony has said Thursday's meeting with Ken Jones would take place in a "neutral" venue in Liverpool.