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No prosecution for fatal shooting No prosecution for fatal shooting
(40 minutes later)
No police marksmen will be prosecuted over the fatal shooting of barrister Mark Saunders in a south London siege, the Crown Prosecution Service said.No police marksmen will be prosecuted over the fatal shooting of barrister Mark Saunders in a south London siege, the Crown Prosecution Service said.
Mr Saunders, 32, died after being shot at least five times by police officers in Chelsea, west London, in May 2008.Mr Saunders, 32, died after being shot at least five times by police officers in Chelsea, west London, in May 2008.
He threatened neighbours and police with a shotgun in a five-hour stand-off at his home in Markham Square. The barrister shot at police, neighbours and buildings in a five-hour stand-off at his Markham Square home.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said there was insufficient evidence to charge anyone after the siege.The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said there was insufficient evidence to charge anyone after the siege.
'Sad events' Mr Saunders threw a letter addressed to his wife from his window during the 6 May 2008 siege.
He was shot five times, in the head, the heart and the liver.
Negligence considered
Charges of murder, attempted murder and manslaughter were considered against seven officers who fired 11 bullets at Mr Saunders.Charges of murder, attempted murder and manslaughter were considered against seven officers who fired 11 bullets at Mr Saunders.
But the CPS found no "realistic prospect" of prosecutors proving beyond reasonable doubt that the armed officers did not act in self defence.But the CPS found no "realistic prospect" of prosecutors proving beyond reasonable doubt that the armed officers did not act in self defence.
The CPS also considered charges of gross negligence and misconduct, and health and safety charges against those in charge of the operation.The CPS also considered charges of gross negligence and misconduct, and health and safety charges against those in charge of the operation.
Sally Walsh, of the CPS, said: "Following the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigation into the shooting of Mark Saunders, I have reviewed the evidence and concluded that there is insufficient evidence to charge any officer in relation to these sad events." We recognise this was a tragic incident... but the police have a duty to protect the public and the right to defend themselves Sally Walsh, CPS
CPS reviewing lawyer Sally Walsh said: "Following the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigation into the shooting of Mark Saunders, I have reviewed the evidence and concluded that there is insufficient evidence to charge any officer in relation to these sad events."
All seven firearms officers stated they were acting in self-defence or in defence of colleagues during the incident, Ms Walsh said.
"Therefore a prosecution for any of these offences would require, amongst other things, the CPS to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the officers did not honestly and genuinely believe that either they or others were in immediate danger," she said.
"We recognise this was a tragic incident and that Mr Saunders was in a distressed state at the time of his death, but the police have a duty to protect the public and the right to defend themselves."
Ms Saunders said she has offered to meet Mr Saunders' widow Elizabeth to provide a detailed explanation of her decision.
'Deflect attention'
An Independent Police Complaints Commission inquiry will not be made public until a full inquest into Mr Saunders' death has been held.
A statement issued by Elizabeth Saunders' solicitor said: "Elizabeth now awaits the inquest which will consider in public why it was necessary for police officers to shoot her husband.
"She is concerned that nothing should be allowed to deflect attention away from the need for a full, careful and objective consideration of that question."
The siege led to a High Court challenge which paved the way for significant changes to the police practice of pooling notes after firearms incidents.