RICKY BISHOP.
Who was Ricky Bishop?
Ricky Bishop was a 25-year-old Black man and a father of one. He was also a bodybuilding coach and a volunteer fitness trainer.
What happened?
On the afternoon of Thursday 22nd November 2001, Ricky was in a car with a friend when the police began to follow them. They were stopped on Dalyell Road, a residential area of Brixton, and apprehended by police, but not arrested. They were taken to Brixton police station.
Later in the evening, the police informed Ricky’s mother that he was in King’s College Hospital, and shortly after her arrival she was told Ricky had died. His death is suspicious and there are numerous unanswered questions. Ricky had cuts around his mouth and wrists, and injuries to his legs.
It is alleged that during his detention, drugs were pushed into Ricky’s mouth and elaborate stories made up by the officers to justify the arrest and a violent assault of him. Ricky’s sister Rhonda said, “Two police officers held Ricky to the ground whilst he was having a heart attack, only then did they call for a paramedic.”
What was the legal implication?
At an inquest into Ricky’s death, the coroner concluded that he had died from ‘misadventure,’ a verdict which exonerated the police. However, according to accounts by witnesses and his family, Ricky Bishop was stopped, arrested, and taken to Brixton police station where he was assaulted and brutalized by police officers. They believe that the inquest was flawed as vital evidence was withheld by the Metropolitan Police.
The 11 policemen involved in the death of Ricky Bishop were PC Simon McDanial, PC Richard Atkins, PC Christopher Rees, PC Michael Lane, PC Daniel Wood, PC Richard Luke, PC Nicholas Wilson, PC Paul Gittins, PC Shane Molyneux, PC Christopher Davies, PC Mark Johnston. The family also identified then Lambeth Borough Commander, Brian Paddick as holding responsibility as being the man in charge.
Further information.
If you want to find out more about other victims of police and state violence in the UK, click here.
The proportion of BAME deaths in custody where restraint is a feature is over two times greater than it is in other deaths in custody. The proportion of BAME deaths in custody where use of force is a feature is over two times greater than it is in other deaths in custody. The proportion of BAME deaths in custody where mental health-related issues are a feature is nearly two times greater than it is in other deaths in custody.