Jury returns lawful killing verdict in Michael Fitzpatrick inquest

Following a five day hearing, on February 3rd 2012 a jury returned a verdict of lawful killing in the inquest into the death of Michael Fitzpatrick.  Mr Fitzpatrick was shot dead by a Sussex police officer when he was confronted by armed officers who were intending to arrest him on suspicion of armed robbery on February 10th 2010.  Mr Fitzpatrick had pulled out a carbon dioxide pistol and presented the weapon at the officers.  In their narrative findings, the jury concluded that the operation for the arrest of Mr Fitzpatrick had been properly planned and that the first aid given to Mr Fitzpatrick by the officers had been “exemplary”.

Paul Stagg of 1 Chancery Lane represented the Chief Constable of Sussex.