Dalian Atkinson: Police officer PC Benjamin Monk guilty of manslaughter in the death of former Villa footballer
Police were called to Trench in Telford in 2016
Last updated 2nd Jul 2021
A police officer's been found guilty of manslaughter in the death of former Aston Villa footballer Dalian Atkinson in Telford in 2016.
The 11-strong panel were first sent out on Tuesday (15 June).
Police first had contact with Dalian Atkinson outside a property on Meadow Close in Trench, Telford at around 1:30am on 15 August 2016.
They were initially responding to reports of a disturbance.
Mr Atkinson was later taken to hospital and pronounced dead later that morning.
Pc Benjamin Monk denied murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter.
Our Chief Reporter Megan Jones has more:
The 43-year-old's colleague, Pc Mary Ellen Bettley-Smith, denied committing assault when she struck the former Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday and Ipswich Town star with a baton after he was tasered to the ground.
The jury were unable to reach a majority verdict after deliberating for more than 21 hours on the charge of assault causing ABH against Pc Mary Ellen Bettley-Smith.
Speaking this evening, Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Jones from West Mercia Police, gave a statement on the verdict of PC Monk: "Words alone cannot express the deep regret and shock I feel that I must stand here and address you today because a West Mercia officer has been found to be criminally responsible for Dalian’s death.
"I am sincerely sorry and extend my apologies and deep condolences to Dalian’s family and friends. You have demonstrated great dignity and strength throughout.
"Dalian’s death has devastated his family, friends and local community. It has also caused great shock and sadness throughout the police service.
"Police officers come to work to serve their communities and keep the public safe. Our uniform should represent justice, public safety and the observance of the law. Those who wear it, as individuals, are also subject to those laws and should be held to the very highest standards of conduct and behaviour. A police uniform does not grant officers immunity to behave unlawfully or to abuse the powers bestowed upon us by the public.
"We do not underestimate the impact of this case and today’s verdict. It is wide-reaching and immeasurable. Nor do we underestimate the significant damage that it has done to the trust and confidence in the police locally and nationally, particularly to Black people. It causes grave concern within the police service.
"We work hard to build and maintain the trust and confidence of the communities we serve. When something happens to harm that relationship, we must stop, listen and work with the public, particularly those communities where trust is fragile, to strengthen those bonds. We recognise there is much to do.
"This was a lengthy and complex process led by the Independent Office of Police Conduct. Whilst I acknowledge that it was delayed in part due to COVID, it has still taken nearly five years to complete, which has been an extremely long and difficult journey for all involved.
"The Independent Office of Police Conduct made a number of recommendations to us following Dalian’s death, including the introduction of Body Worn Video and further training regarding Taser use. I want to reassure you those recommendations have been implemented. We will also continue to work with national colleagues to support and implement further change to ensure we continue to be in-line with best practice.
"Once again I extend my deepest condolences and sincere apologies to Dalian’s family for his death and for the tragic circumstances in which he died."
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