Police officer accused of lying in death in custody inquest appears in court
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Version 0 of 1. A police officer accused of lying at the inquest of a man who died in police custody seven years ago has appeared in court. Musician Sean Rigg, from south London, died while being held at Brixton police station on 21 August 2008. The 40-year-old had been in a police van for 11 minutes before being transferred to the police station. Following the investigation into the death, Sgt Paul White gave evidence at his inquest in July 2012. He is accused of lying in his statement about visiting Rigg while he was in the police van between 7.55pm and 8.03pm on the day he died to check on his health. White, 52, who is on restricted duties, appeared at Westminster magistrates court charged with perjury. He wore a black suit and striped tie and spoke only to confirm his details during the brief hearing. White has not entered a plea and was ordered to appear at Southwark crown court on 22 September for a preliminary hearing. Rigg was a “charismatic and ambitious” person who was “gentle and loving by nature”, according to the Sean Rigg Justice and Change Campaign website. He overcame personal difficulties to mentor and volunteer in the Brixton community. As a musician, he produced his first album – Be Brother B Good – in 2007 and set up his own record label, Dan Man Records, with friends. |