Families condemn police deaths report

The long-awaited report by the Attorney-General into how the legal system deals with deaths in police custody was today condemned by families involved as a whitewash.

The report, released today by Lord Goldsmith, acknowledges that changes are needed but refuses to admit any past failings.

Despite more than 600 deaths in custody since 1990 and eight inquest verdicts of unlawful killing, there have been no successful prosecutions of police officers.

Today's report, ordered in December 2001, states that its aim was to make a "real difference" to the handling of future cases.

But it adds: "It does not follow from this that cases were wrongly decided in the past."

Families are angry that it rejects calls for independent reviews of deaths in custody and fails to examine any specific named cases.

It concludes that existing or pending reviews of the procedure - including the formation of an Independent Police Complaints Commission - were adequate.

Brenda Weinberg, whose brother Brian Douglas died from head injuries after being struck with a police baton, said: "It's a disgusting insult. How can Lord Goldsmith consult with us and then draw a line under our cases?

"We want him to reopen one case. It is within his remit to shake up the CPS. As it stands, things will continue as they are."