Henry Hicks’ family demand answers from police commissioner as Yard admits: Officers won’t face charge
Henry Hicks died following a police chase in Islington (Picture: Arnaud Stephenson) - Credit: photo: Arnaud Stephenson
The family of Henry Hicks last night demanded answers from Met Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe after it emerged during a heated public meeting that the officers involved in his death will not face charges.
Henry Hicks died following a police chase in Islington (Picture: Arnaud Stephenson) - Credit: photo: Arnaud Stephenson
Henry’s sister Claudia told the police chief: “I think it’s just disgusting the way we’ve been treated.
“It’s nearly been two years and nobody’s been held accountable for my brother’s death.”
It was revealed at the meeting, in Islington Assembly Hall, that the four officers involved in Henry’s death following a police chase in December 2014 would not be prosecuted.
Sir Bernard said he was unable to comment, however, due to an ongoing investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
Actress Linda Robson and Henry's sister Claudia Hicks at the launch of the Henry Hicks Foundation (Picture: Marcus Tylor) - Credit: Archant
David Hicks spoke of how his son was stopped “156 times in the three years leading up to his death”, and asked why he had not been able to lodge a complaint with Islington’s borough commander in this time.
“After my son died, now I can speak to a commander, but for three years I couldn’t put a complaint in to a commander,” he said.
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Claudia added: “Maybe if they had taken us more seriously from the beginning then my brother would still be alive.”
The 18-year-old was killed when his scooter crashed into other vehicles in Wheelwright Street, near Pentonville Prison, following a police chase on December 19, 2014.
Henry Hicks' memorial in Islington (Picture: Dieter Parry) - Credit: Archant
The IPCC launched an investigation following the death, and referred its findings to the Crown Prosecution Service in October.
A report is referred to the CPS when it indicates a criminal offence may have been committed – but yesterday’s announcement means no action will be taken.
A separate IPCC investigation into communications between the police force and the Hicks family is due to be published soon, while an inquest into Henry’s death will be started “within a matter of days”.
The Hicks family had been attending the Met Police Commissioner’s roadshow, which saw Sir Bernard address a meeting of more than 100 people from Islington and neighbouring Camden.
