G20 police officer to face trial for manslaughter

A SCOTLAND Yard officer accused of killing Ian Tomlinson at the G20 protests is to stand trial at the Old Bailey.

Mr Tomlinson, a homeless 47-year-old newspaper seller, collapsed and died on the fringes of the demonstrations in central London on 1 April 2009.

Pc Simon Harwood, a father of two, was bailed until 17 October for a plea and case management hearing when he appeared at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court yesterday charged with manslaughter.

The 44-year-old, who appeared in the dock with his arm in a sling yesterday, spoke only to confirm his age, name and address.

Mr Tomlinson's wife, Julia, showed no emotion from the public gallery as District Judge Howard Riddle told Harwood: "Your case is sent for trial at the Central Criminal Court."

Harwood, from Carshalton, Surrey, gave his solicitor's address in Charing Cross, west London, as he appeared in the dock.

The officer, wearing a black suit and grey tie, looked down at his feet as he was awarded unconditional bail during the two-minute hearing.

The Director of Public Prosecutions charged Pc Harwood over the death after reviewing an inquest jury's unlawful killing verdict. DPP Keir Starmer QC previously said new medical evidence at the inquest and the opinions of experts during the hearing helped change his mind in launching proceedings.