The trial of Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable, Sir Peter Fahy over the death of Anthony Grainger has collapsed after only five days in court.

Fahy, who was tried as the “corporation sole” for the force had pleaded not guilty to a charge of failing to discharge a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2012. The prosecution’s argument was that GMP had committed numerous failings under this act by deploying armed officers without any official intelligence which ultimately led to the fatal shooting of Anthony Grainger. Grainger, who was unarmed, was fatally shot in the chest by a police marksman as he waited in a stolen car.

The defence put forward the case that the prosecution of Fahy was an ‘abuse of process’, which was later accepted by the judge. It was also argued that the defendant was unable to have access to a fair trial due to the use of top secret evidence by the police, which was unable to go before a jury.

As official legal representatives for the family of Anthony Grainger we are able to say that they are hugely disappointed at the decision not to proceed with the prosecution of Sir Peter Fahy.

They have waited three years for answers as to what led to the death of their son. As a result of the pending court date against GMP, an Inquest has not been able to progress and with the collapse of the trial, they now find that they are no nearer the truth.

In the interests of the family finally being granted access to the answers they deserve, this matter must now proceed to a public enquiry. If a jury in a criminal court cannot deal with the case, the family would question how a jury in an Inquest could consider the evidence. We will be petitioning the Home Secretary in this regard next week.

For further information regarding the Grainger case please see the following articles: