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Inquest is complete whitewash and we will appeal, say Menezes relatives
Kiran Randhawa and Paul Cheston12 Dec 2008
THE family of Jean Charles de Menezes accused coroner Sir Michael Wright of "failing on every count" today.
The relatives' legal team confirmed a judicial appeal against Sir Michael's ruling out of an unlawful killing verdict was imminent.
"After three months of evidence, 100 witnesses and millions of pounds, the coroner, Sir Michael Wright, has presided over a complete whitewash," said a family statement released through the Justice4Jean campaign group.
"He has failed on every count of the purpose of an inquest investigation."
Their attack followed one by Mr de Menezes's mother in which she criticised police for telling a string of "lies" since the Brazilian was killed. Maria Otone de Menezes also called for the resignation of Cressida Dick, the officer in charge of the operation which saw the 27-year-old shot nine times.
The 63-year-old, with her older son Giovani da Silva, 36, was in Britain for five weeks of the seven-week inquest.
"After Jean was killed they started telling us lies," she said. "As a mother, I would like to really know the truth about why they killed an innocent man.
"The most difficult thing to hear during the inquest was when the police officer said he shot Jean three times and his colleague shot six times at Jean."
Mrs de Menezes believes police told lies during the hearings "to try to divert from the truth". She said: "I didn't really believe everything that they said during the inquest."
She spoke out as it emerged that the family's lawyers - whose fees are paid by the taxpayer - are to challenge the verdict in the High Court. If they fail, they will go to the European Court.
In proceedings last week they revealed they wanted the jury to consider a verdict of gross negligence against the operation's command team. That would also amount to an allegation of manslaughter against Commander John McDowell, the gold commander on the day; Deputy Assistant Commissioner Cressida Dick, the senior designated officer; and the senior tactical adviser, Chief Inspector Vince Esposito.
Lawyers claim the coroner failed to fulfil his obligations under European Human Rights laws to hold a proper inquiry. But in a hearing, which for legal reasons can only be reported today, a High Court judge rejected their bid.
Mrs de Menezes singled out Ms Dick for particular blame: "She made a series of mistakes, she did everything wrong. I think that she should resign."
