Marv
September 18th, 2009, 05:03 PM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1214491/Police-firearms-teacher-shot-civilian-Magnum-classroom-failed-instructor-course.html
A police firearms instructor accidentally gunned down a civilian worker during a classroom demonstration after failing a training course, a court heard.
PC David Micklethwaite, 52, blasted telephone operator Keith Tilbury at point blank range after mistakenly loading a live round into a 'Dirty Harry' style .44 Magnum revolver.
The victim was taken to hospital where doctors performed life-saving surgery on his bowel and kidney.
Mr Tilbury, 51, did not regain consciousness for 12 days, and has never returned to work.
Micklethwaite, a firearms instructor with Thames Valley Police, faces a massive fine after admitting breaching Health and Safety laws.
He shot Mr Tilbury while attempting to show civilian recruits how the chamber spins in a Magnum made famous by Clint Eastwood.
When he reached into a Quality Street tin Thames Valley's armourers used to keep assorted ammunition, he grabbed a live round.
Thames Valley, which has also admitted breaching the Health and Safety Act, could be hit with an unlimited financial punishment.
Prosecutor Richard Matthews told Southwark Crown Court that Micklethwaite had failed part of a firearms instructor course organised by the Metropolitan Police.
But after considering the matter, Thames Valley Police put the failure down to a procedural difference between the two forces.
'It was felt that if he underwent a development plan, he would pass the course,' the prosecutor said.
But when the certificate was eventually issued, Micklethwaite had not taken any development course.
Mr Matthews said that when interviewed the constable was asked about the Met firearms training course and insisted he 'thought he had passed'.
He also told officers there were a 'million and one reasons' why he thought he was handling blank ammunition.
A police firearms instructor accidentally gunned down a civilian worker during a classroom demonstration after failing a training course, a court heard.
PC David Micklethwaite, 52, blasted telephone operator Keith Tilbury at point blank range after mistakenly loading a live round into a 'Dirty Harry' style .44 Magnum revolver.
The victim was taken to hospital where doctors performed life-saving surgery on his bowel and kidney.
Mr Tilbury, 51, did not regain consciousness for 12 days, and has never returned to work.
Micklethwaite, a firearms instructor with Thames Valley Police, faces a massive fine after admitting breaching Health and Safety laws.
He shot Mr Tilbury while attempting to show civilian recruits how the chamber spins in a Magnum made famous by Clint Eastwood.
When he reached into a Quality Street tin Thames Valley's armourers used to keep assorted ammunition, he grabbed a live round.
Thames Valley, which has also admitted breaching the Health and Safety Act, could be hit with an unlimited financial punishment.
Prosecutor Richard Matthews told Southwark Crown Court that Micklethwaite had failed part of a firearms instructor course organised by the Metropolitan Police.
But after considering the matter, Thames Valley Police put the failure down to a procedural difference between the two forces.
'It was felt that if he underwent a development plan, he would pass the course,' the prosecutor said.
But when the certificate was eventually issued, Micklethwaite had not taken any development course.
Mr Matthews said that when interviewed the constable was asked about the Met firearms training course and insisted he 'thought he had passed'.
He also told officers there were a 'million and one reasons' why he thought he was handling blank ammunition.