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Home » News Centre » Press Releases » CPS announces further prosecutions in Michael Powell case

CPS announces further prosecutions in Michael Powell case

07/01/2005

Eight police officers are to be prosecuted for misconduct in a public office following the death in custody of Michael Powell, the Crown Prosecution Service announced today.

Proceedings have been commenced and summonses will be issued shortly for the following officers:
Inspector Anthony James Guest
Police Constable Andrew Glenn Edwards
Police Constable Luke Anthony Gill
Police Constable Nigel Peter Hackett
Police Constable Steven Michael Hollyman
Police Constable Lee Andrew Howard
Police Sergeant David Williams
Police Constable Christopher John Wilson

Mr Christopher Enzor, head of the Casework Directorate in York who reviewed the case said: "The decision to prosecute these officers was taken after a detailed investigation was carried out by Northamptonshire Police, supervised by Independent Police Complaints Commissioner John Crawley, and following advice from independent counsel."

Two police officers who have already been charged with common assault on Mr Powell are also to face further charges. PC Timothy Peter Lewis is to be charged with dangerous driving and PC David Neil Hadley with aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring dangerous driving.

  1. Michael Powell died on September 7, 2003, in police custody in Handsworth, Birmingham. He had been arrested outside his mother's house in the Lozells area of the city.
  2. PCs Hadley and Lewis have already appeared at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on the common assault charge and their next appearance is on January 11, 2005.
  3. Misconduct in a public office is a serious offence that can only be heard at crown court. It carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
  4. For further details contact CPS Press Office on 020 7796 8180.