24 Jul 2014 — Earlier this month at the inquest into the death of my beloved mother, Cherry Groce, the jury found that a series of police failings led to her death.
After 29 years, we finally know the truth.
Since the shooting almost three decades ago, the police have had, in their possession, a copy of a report which clearly identifies their multiple failings. This information was never revealed to our family.
This horrific event was not an accident and it is only through this inquest that the truth about what happened that day has come out.
Metropolitan Police Chief, Sir Bernard Horgan-Howe, issued my family with an apology almost three decades after their actions tore my family apart. He said, “I am sorry for the years of suffering which our actions and omissions caused to your family”.
You can watch the Channel 4 News report of the results of the inquest and my interview, here: http://www.channel4.com/news/brixton-riots-cherry-groce-met-police-shooting-failure-video/>
The verdict of the jury finally breaks the silence since the shooting in September 1985, which we have had to endure. We have always known that it was wrong. She should never have been shot that day. It has been a long and strenuous journey. But, truth is our victory.
134,060 of you signed the petition in our campaign to be granted legal aid, and I would like to personally thank you all for assisting and supporting our family while we fought for justice for our innocent mother.
I would also like to thank Chuka Umunna MP, our legal team Bhatt Murphy Solicitors and Dexter Dias QC, Inquest and Channel 4 News who, collectively, became our rock throughout this fight.
But the real hero at the centre of this is my mum. She inspired us as a family.
We plan to continue her legacy through the Cherry Groce Foundation were we will enhance and support people who have become disabled through personal tragedy. To find out more, please visit our website: http://cherrygroce.org/or tweet us: @mrleelawrence
Thank you for being a part of this.
Lee Lawrence,
Son of Cherry Groce |
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