Was PC Harwood well advised to take the stand in his trial for the manslaughter of Ian Tomlinson?

[sandyRoe]

Could he be questioned now about why he had resigned from another force after allegations of over vigorous treatment of suspects?

[carolegif]

I don't think you can mention previous convictions etc. during a trial, so I presume the same think applies here. It is in case it prejudices the current case.

[sandyRoe]

He has no previous convictions, but it might give the court some insight into his character.

[THEMOTLEY1]

From what has been shown on TV it is obvious that Ian Tomlinson posed no threat whatsoever, it was simply 'bully-boy' tactics by the Police, the "I've got a big stick and I'm going to use it" school of thought. Imo.

[ojread2]

From what has been show on TV, as in the video they keep showing, hasn't given any insight into how Mt Tomlison behaved before that. It is something we will most likely never know either

[FredPuli43]

You'd have to call him. He isn't going to make the case any worse and there is a really good chance that he will get the jury's sympathy.

His resignation was not an admission of 'vigorous treatment' The judge would not allow cross-examination on it, since nothing was proved against him. Even if that were proved, it is unlikely to be adduced since it doesn't prove anything in the instant case. That a man is guilty of an assault in the past doesn't tend to prove anything in any later trial for an assault. It would be different if that man brazenly said in evidence that he'd never raised a hand against anybody, ever, in his whole life. Then it would be adduced to show he was lying about his good character.

Incidentally, he doesn't " take the stand" This Americanism isn't applicable to Britain We don't have a 'stand' for the witness to take.

[Dee Sa]

I feel very sory for the Tomlinson family after all he wasnt a protestor just trying to get home after a days work.

[Messi_Ten]

Harwood is an arrogant thug, he walked away from similar charges and will do the same again.

There's never any justice for the public in cases like this!

[sandyRoe]

ojread2, there are a number of videos available showing Mr Tomlinson peacefully trying to make his way home.

[chaptazbru]

I sincerely hope the Tomlinson family get justice in this case. This man was only trying to get home and was innocent imo.

[ojread2]

true, sandy, but none showing before this