A WOUNDED dad accidentally shot by an armed officer is expected to get a big compensation payout after police admitted liability.

Aaron Humphries was shot in the leg by an armed officer in Ronkswood Hill, Worcester after West Mercia Police received reports he had a gun.

After a successful civil case in the High Court, his solicitor, Iain Gould, says his client is likely to receive a significant compensation payout.

READ MORE: Aaron Humphries receives a suspended jail term

READ MORE: Aaron Humphries describes being shot by police

Humphries, 32, of Birmingham admitted possession of an imitation firearm when committing another offence (criminal damage at his ex-partner's home in Dines Green) on the day he was shot -  Saturday, October 2 last year. 

 

He further admitted criminal damage - destroying property without lawful excuse - on the same date, including windows, a door and a Ring Doorbell belonging to Platform Housing.

Humphries already stood convicted of the production of cannabis at a commercial unit in Worcester (a tanning salon in Dines Green).

Worcester News: SHOT: Aaron Humphries. Still from mobile phone footage of the accidental shooting SHOT: Aaron Humphries. Still from mobile phone footage of the accidental shooting (Image: SHOT: Aaron Humphries. Still from mobile phone footage of the accidental shooting)

 

His solicitor Iain Gould, who specialises in compensation claims against the police, took the case to the High Court following the shooting.

As a result of his injuries, Mr Humphries can no longer work as a civil engineer. The solicitor described the consequences of his client's 'horrendous injury' as 'likely to be life-long'. 

West Mercia Police has confirmed they have admitted liability for battery as part of civil legal proceedings which are ongoing.

But Mr Gould said West Mercia had previously 'exonerated themselves' for their role in the shooting.

Mr Humphries was reported by a member of the public to have what they believed was a firearm in his vehicle. It later turned out to be a ‘BB’ gun.

Mr Gould said: "Aaron, who had fallen asleep in his car, awoke to the sound of shouting and realised that his vehicle was surrounded by police officers who were training their firearms upon him.

"In a state of shock, and following commands given by the firearms squad, Aaron exited his vehicle and stood by the open driver’s door. He was holding nothing in his hands, a fact which was clearly visible to the police.

"One of the officers approached Aaron with handcuffs, whilst another approached with a taser; ‘red-dotting’ Aaron with the less lethal weapon.

"Aaron remained fully compliant. Then, without warning, he was shot by one of the officers (identified as Officer B) with her carbine, a lethal weapon.

"The bullet from Officer B’s carbine punctured the open door of Aaron’s car, hit Aaron’s left knee and then tore through his right leg, creating entry and exit wounds. Aaron fell to the floor, bleeding and in excruciating pain, before being rushed to hospital by ambulance for emergency surgery.

"Following the incident, Officer B was interviewed by the IOPC (Independent Office of Police Conduct). Her account of events was that she accidentally fired her carbine whilst holding a large, heavy shield in her left hand and trying to apply the safety catch with her right hand. Indeed, body-worn video records the officer shouting “Sorry, sorry!” immediately after her weapon was discharged.

Given the seriousness of this ‘unintentional discharge’ the IOPC determined that Officer B had a case to answer for misconduct. However, West Mercia Police's misconduct panel concluded that the officer’s conduct had not breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour. Deputy Chief Constable Julian Moss initially said there had been ‘no misconduct’, although Officer B’s authorisation to carry firearms was revoked."

Mr Gould added: "It was sheer luck that the ‘rogue bullet’ did not kill Aaron – or in fact, one of the officer’s colleagues or indeed an innocent bystander.

"However, I am pleased to confirm that there certainly will be institutional accountability for what happened to Aaron, as I have brought the full force of the civil law to bear against West Mercia Police in the form of High Court proceedings, in which they have now admitted full liability for assault and battery. Aaron will in due course receive a significant compensation award – though he would give it all up to change the trajectory of that bullet to a harmless one."

In January, Judge Martin Jackson sentenced Humphries to 20 months in prison suspended for two years and placed him under the supervision of the probation service, ordering him to complete 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He was also ordered to pay ÂŁ1,400 in compensation to Platform Housing for the damage.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said:  "We can confirm that we have received a civil claim and that legal proceedings are currently ongoing with regard to the claim. West Mercia Police have admitted liability for battery as part of these civil legal proceedings, which are ongoing."

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