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Home » News Centre » Press Releases » CPS statement: Fatal shooting of Azelle Rodney

CPS statement: Fatal shooting of Azelle Rodney

04/07/2006

The Crown Prosecution Service announced today it has advised Mr Rodney's family and their legal representative, the IPCC and the Metropolitan Police that there is insufficient evidence to disclose a realistic prospect of conviction against any officer for any offence in relation to the fatal shooting of Azelle Rodney in a London street last year.

On 30 April 2005 Mr Rodney and two others were traveling in a vehicle which was under police surveillance as a result of intelligence which suggested that the men were in possession of firearms.

Police officers took the decision to intercept this vehicle and Mr Rodney was fatally wounded in the ensuing operation.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission conducted a full and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Rodney's death and a full file was passed to the CPS on 3 January 2006. Due to the very serious nature of the allegation, the Crown Prosecution Service considered the evidence in great detail before finally reaching this conclusion.

The CPS reviewing lawyer said:

"We realise that this decision may come as a disappointment to the family and friends of Azelle Rodney and I have offered to meet with them to further explain my decision."

All enquiries to CPS Press Office on 020 7796 8102 or 8127.