Truemors
A SPECIAL Branch officer, whose name has been given only as "Owen", has today admitted that he changed his evidence. Officer Owen denies he did so because of pressure from his bosses, but because, "it gave a misleading impression."
Jean Charles de Menezes was shot seven times at close range in the temple after plain clothes policemen mistook him for a wanted terrorist three years ago, shortly after the 7/7 London tube and bus bombings. The shooting caused immense poltical controversy.
An investigation has begun after an officer admitted changing evidence during the inquest into the death of Jean Charles de Menezes.
The Special Branch officer, named as Owen, said he deleted a line from computer notes which quoted Deputy Assistant Commissioner Cressida Dick.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission said it would investigate.
Brazilian Mr de Menezes, 27, was killed by police who mistook him for one of the failed 21 July 2005 bombers.
Owen, a surveillance officer, told the inquest the deleted line claimed Ms Dick had initially said the electrician could "run onto Tube as not carrying anything".
But on Monday he said: "On reflection, I looked at that and thought I cannot actually say that."
'False impression'
Owen said he had spoken about the amendments he made to his notes to a Metropolitan Police solicitor the day after he submitted his evidence, on 8 October this year.
He told the court he had removed the line because he believed it was "wrong and gave a totally false impression."
Asked at the inquest whether management had requested the changes be made, he replied: "No. I am sure of that, sir."
An Independent Police Complaints Commission spokesman confirmed it was launching an inquiry.
Comments (0)