Michael Lloyd Powell

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Michael Lloyd Powell (Mikey), cousin of poet Benjamin Zephaniah, became known after his death in police custody at the age of 38.

Mikey died on September 7, 2003, at the police station in Handsworth, Birmingham in England. He had been arrested outside his mother's home after reports of acting strangely; Mikey had a history of mental instability. It was alleged that the police used undue force in restraining him, assaulted him and failed to act when his life was in danger. Six officers were charged with various offences, but in the subsequent trial were found not guilty and cleared of all charges.

The Friends of Mikey Powell Campaign for Justice was established by friends and family after community protests, including a march to Thornhill Road police station in November 2003. Over 500 people attended the protest and hundreds more lined the route. The campaign continues to work for the causes of Mikey and others who have died while in custody.

[edit] References

• http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/3090944.stm "Police custody death inquiry opens", 10 September, 2003
• http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/3272961.stm "March for custody death man", 15 November, 2003
• http://www.ipcc.gov.uk/news/pr030904_michaelpowell Press release from Independent Police Complaints Commission, 3, September 2004
• http://www.ipcc.gov.uk/news/pr070105_cps.htm IPCC press release, 7, January 2005
• http://www.ipcc.gov.uk/news/pr030806_powell.htm IPCC press release, 02, August 2006
• http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/5126504.stm "Four officers cleared of neglect", 28 June 2006
• http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/5239650.stm "Officers cleared over man's death", 2 August 2006

[edit] External links

• http://www.mikeypowell-campaign.org.uk Mikey Powell Campaign for Justice