Police sorry for dead biker photos

North Wales Police Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom has faced mounting criticism for his decision to show images of 40-year-old Mark Gibney's body to journalists without his family's permission.

One picture shown in the private press meeting was of Mr Gibney's severed head on a grass verge, still in its helmet, eyes open. The other was of his headless torso. The motorcyclist died in a high-speed crash in 2003.

In a statement, North Wales Police said: "North Wales Police have written to the family of Mark Gibney to apologise for the distress caused by the publicity that followed the Arrive Alive closed seminar on Thursday April 26 2007.

"North Wales Police accepts and regrets that it made a mistake in believing that description of pictures shown to this invited audience would remain confidential. We are very sorry for the distress that has evidently been caused."

Mr Gibney, of Liverpool, was not named when the photos were shown but details of his distinctive T-shirt, which bore an anti-police message, were given. The T-shirt received widespread publicity during Mr Gibney's inquest, and effectively identified him to the audience.

Mr Brunstrom's former deputy, Bill Brereton, has denounced the police chief's behaviour as displaying "a lack of decency and a lack of respect".

Martyn Jones, MP for Clwyd South, said Mr Brunstrom should "consider his position". Bob Wareing, Labour MP for the West Derby area of Liverpool, where Mr Gibney lived, has said he plans to raise the matter with Home Secretary John Reid.

The force did not release the pictures for publication, and banned filming and photography when they were shown during the meeting.

Mr Brunstrom said they were shown to give journalists the context of his campaign against speeding motorists. "The images are there to make a visual impact," he said.