Richard O'Brien
Richard O’Brien, 37, was a loving White father of seven from Ireland. Raising his family in London, Richard was a furniture salesman.
On 4 April 1994, Richard died after being restrained by several police officers in south London following a christening. Soon after his arrival at Walworth Police Station, he collapsed and was transferred to King’s College Hospital where he died.
Peaceful demonstrations followed Richard’s death, with his family demanding that the police officers involved be suspended pending an investigation. This was rejected and no police officer was charged.
A 1995 inquest returned a verdict of 'unlawful killing', but the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) did not prosecute any officers.
His determined family continued their fight for justice through a judicial review into the decision not to charge any officers. The DPP later admitted that the decision was flawed and three officers were charged with manslaughter and then acquitted, exposing the failure of the DPP to deliver justice and accountability for deaths in custody.
Through a civil claim, there was a settlement of £324,000 in O’Brien (3) v The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police 2003.
Given the serious issues raised at the inquest, the unlawful killing verdict and Coroners recommendations, I would have expected this matter to be treated expeditiously out of respect for the family and in the interests of justice.
The unacceptable delay and lack of courtesy shown to them only adds to the grief and suffering of Alison O'Brien and her young family who are unable to begin to rebuild their lives while this remains unresolved.
Deborah Coles, letter to Metropolitan Police commissioner - July 1996
