Who was Dalian Atkinson and how did the ex Aston Villa star die?

A POLICE officer has been charged with murdering former Premiership star Dalian Atkinson, who died after being Tasered in 2016.

He was struck by a 50,000-volt shock outside his dad's house in Telford when he was 48. Here's what we know.

What happened to Dalian Atkinson?

He was Tasered outside his dad's house after reportedly threatening his dad in Trench, Telford in August 2016.

He received medical attention after going into cardiac arrest but was pronounced dead at around 3am in hospital.

A witness claimed at the time that officers discharged their stun guns more than once during the confrontation.

What is the latest on the case?

The cop, who has not been named by authorities will appear at Birmingham Crown Court today charged with murder alongside another officer, who is charged with assault causing actual bodily harm.

Jenny Hopkins from the CPS said: 'Following the death of Dalian Atkinson in Telford on 15 August 2016, the Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised a charge of murder against a West Mercia police constable.
"A second police constable, from the same force, has been charged with assault causing actual bodily harm (ABH). Mr Atkinson's family has been informed."

Who was Dalian Atkinson?

Born in Telford, Shropshire in 1968 he first burst on to the scene as a teenager at Ipswich Town in 1985.

One of his earliest moments of brilliance saw him bang in a hat trick against Middlesbrough when he was just 20-years-old.

The 48-year-old ex striker was probably best remembered for his time at Aston Villa where he won goal of the season in the first year of the Premier League which saw the Villains finish second in the table.

He also helped Villa win the 1994 League Cup final against Manchester United.

A career spanning 16 years saw him play in England, Spain, Turkey, France, Saudi Arabia and South Korea.

Lawyers for Mr Atkinson's family later released a statement saying: "Dalian's family welcomes the decision to put the conduct of police officers before a jury but regrets that already more than three years have passed since Dalian died.

'They ask for their privacy to be respected and press for the criminal proceedings to progress without delay or obstruction."

 



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