Family Statements

Larry Fedja

Corporate manslaughter victory

Mikey - new change in lawThis clip appeared on BBC West Midlands news following the announcement that police and other bodies can now be prosecuted over deaths in custody in England and Wales. The footage includes interviews with Tippa Naphtali (Mikey Powell Campaign) and Helen Shaw (INQUEST).

The main legislation came into force three years ago but ministers gave public bodies which hold people in detention until now to prepare for it. Campaigners have welcomed the change. Corporations can already be prosecuted for corporate manslaughter or for the equivalent offence (corporate homicide) in Scotland.

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4WardEverUK

Family and friends remember Mikey

Well wishers and family gatherThe Powell family have held a candlelight vigil in memory of Mikey Powell who was killed in police custody in 2003. The vigil took place outside the Thornhill Road police station, Birmingham, West Midlands.

See more photographs from the event >

Mikey’s sister, Sieta Lambrias said; “On Sunday 11th September, a day many people were remembering there loved ones because of the 911 attacks in America, we were also remembering Mikey. This years candlelit vigil for Mikey’s 8th memorial was attended by many family and friends.

“We were also supported by new friends and old including members campaigning for justice for Smiley Culture, Ricky Bishop and Kingsley Burrell.

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Tippa Naphtali

WMPA to investigate the Chief Constable

Police watchThe IPCC have upheld the appeal of Mikey’s mother, Claris Powell, against the refusal of the West Midlands Police Authority to record her complaint against the Chief Constable of West Midlands Police.

On 16 June 2011 the IPCC directed the Police Authority to record the complaint. The Police Authority should now investigate. It is rare for a complaint about a Chief Constable to be recorded and a real victory for Claris Powell.

The complaint is that the Chief Constable’s report to the West Midlands Police Authority on 25 March 2010 entitled “The Organisational Response to the Death of Michael Powell and Linda Burt” was misleading. The issues include:

The Report was misleading about the findings of the Inquest jury in relation to when and where Mikey died.

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