File passed to CPS over death of former footballer who was shot with stun gun<\/b>
\nTwo police officers could be prosecuted over the death of the former footballer Dalian Atkinson, who collapsed after being shot by a stun gun.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has referred a file of evidence relating to Atkinson\u2019s death in Telford, Shropshire, to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to consider potential criminal charges against the officers.
Atkinson, who played for Aston Villa and Manchester City, died in 2016 following an incident involving police outside his father\u2019s home. He was 48.
The IOPC said the two officers were involved in detaining Atkinson. A third officer was also interviewed but has not been referred to the CPS.
An IOPC spokesperson said: \u201cThe referral marks the end of the IOPC investigation during which three West Mercia police officers were interviewed twice under criminal caution and served with gross misconduct notices. The actions of the third officer have not been referred.
\u201cThe police constables had attended the incident and were involved in detaining Mr Atkinson outside the address prior to him being taken to hospital by ambulance. Mr Atkinson died at the Princess Royal hospital in Telford on 15 August 2016.
\u201cThe investigation gathered evidence which indicates that police contact with Mr Atkinson involved the use of a Taser, followed by a period of restraint and other uses of force.\u201d
Derrick Campbell, an IOPC regional director, said: \u201cOn the basis of the evidence gathered I have decided to refer the matter to the CPS to consider any potential criminal charges over the interaction two police officers had with Dalian Atkinson.
\u201cThis has been a lengthy and complex investigation and I am grateful for the patience shown by all concerned. We have kept West Mercia police, Dalian\u2019s family, and HM coroner informed during the course of the investigation.\u201d
CPS lawyers have asked for another report from a pathologist to help them with their consideration.
The IOPC investigation report has also been sent to West Mercia police to help determine whether or not disciplinary proceedings should follow.
A referral to the CPS is made when the IOPC investigation indicates that a criminal offence may have been committed. It does not mean that criminal charges will necessarily follow. The CPS will decide whether charges should be brought.
In 1992 Atkinson was one of the stars of the Aston Villa team that came second in the Premier League\u2019s inaugural season, during which he scored Match of the Day\u2019s goal of the season.
His career began at Ipswich Town and he played for Sheffield Wednesday and the Spanish side Real Sociedad before moving to Villa. He retired from professional football at the age of 33 in 2001.
Last year the Guardian revealed there had been a delay over whether a file should be passed on to the CPS because of concerns that postmortem tests may have been compromised.
Atkinson\u2019s family said on Thursday: \u201cIt\u2019s been a long, frustrating and difficult process over the last two years, watching the investigation take its course and awaiting answers as to how our brother died. We still don\u2019t know all the details even now, and look forward to the time when everything is in the public domain.
\u201cWe are pleased to hear today that the IOPC has referred the case to the CPS for criminal charges to be considered and has recommended disciplinary charges. This is a huge step closer to getting justice for Dalian.\u201d
Deborah Coles, director of the charity Inquest, said: \u201cThe death of Dalian Atkinson following use of force and Taser by police raises serious concerns of significant public interest. This is an important and welcome referral. The CPS must expedite their decision-making process and be swift in any charging decisions that should follow.\u201d
A pre-inquest review is due to take place in Shrewsbury in the new year.<\/p>\n