Mark Duggan family win court appeal

An extremely contentious judicial finding that argued Mark Duggan was lawfully shot dead by police in 2011, has been questioned by a High Court judge, who will allow the family to appeal that decision.

The Duggan family always contested that the judge - directing the jury - allowed them to hold profoundly contradictory views in their findings. Whilst the jury held the view that when Duggan was shot, he almost certainly did not have a gun on his person, they also believed the police officer who shot Duggan, that he saw Duggan pointing a gun at him, thus fearing for his life.

Lord Justice Sales who afforded the family the right to appeal warned them against thinking his decision meant their appeal must succeed.

He said their case was "arguable" and had reached his decision on the basis that "there is a real prospect of success on appeal".

He added:

A further compelling reason for the grant of permission is that the shooting dead of a suspect by police is always a matter for careful scrutiny."

The death of Mark Duggan and the subsequent misinformation by the police shortly afterwards, were big contributory factors which led to the August riots that swept across the country in 2011.

The family of Mark Duggan have always argued that they will not rest until justice is done.

Simon Woolley