The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has announced that no police officers will face charges over the death of barrister Mark Saunders, who was shot by armed police in west London in 2008. An inquest jury previously ruled that the officers acted lawfully during the five-hour siege at his Chelsea home.
CPS lawyer Sally Walsh stated that after reviewing the full inquest transcript and a report from the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), there remains insufficient evidence to charge any officer. The decision also applies to senior officers, with no charges for negligence, misconduct, or health and safety breaches.
Mr Saunders, a 32-year-old divorce specialist, died after firing shots from his home in Markham Square on 6 May 2008. The inquest jury found the use of force by Scotland Yard's firearms officers to be lawful, proportionate, and reasonable.
Separately, an officer known as Alpha Zulu 8 (AZ8) is under investigation for allegedly inserting song lyrics into his testimony. The IPCC is conducting a fresh inquiry, which is said to be progressing well, with findings expected early next year.
