'Dying Victim to Police Marksman: Good Shot, Mate' (UK)

[TheeBadOne]

A police marksman wept as he told an inquest today how a man he had just blasted in the stomach said “good shot, mate†as he lay dying.

The firearms officer, identified only as Pc Alpha, said 27-year – old Jason Gifford also asked him to tell his wife he loved her.

He broke down as he told Aylesbury Coroner’s Court that Gifford brandished a pistol and a 3ft samurai sword at him.

Pc Alpha was one of six armed officers called to Gifford’s house in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, where he had taken his wife Carole hostage in June 2002.

Car valeter Gifford became suicidal after Mrs Gifford, 35, filed for divorce and said he wanted to “go out in a blaze of gloryâ€.

Pc Alpha told the inquest he took cover behind a brick wall in front of the house and made eye contact with Gifford inside the house.

But Gifford then walked out of the front door holding the sword and what was later found to be a replica pistol.

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Sounds like suicide by cop.

 

[Butch]

So tell me, How is this mushhead a victum? He was shot because he was STUPID! , Doesn't matter where it is the press just can't get it right.

 

[BluesBear]

Suicide by Cop.

The officer is the victim here.

 

[greyhound]

just blasted in the stomach

Yup, that sounds real neutral to me. "

 

[artherd]

Suicide by Cop.

The officer is the victim here.

Absolutely. I really feel for the guy, the nightmares must be awful.

Remenber this the next time you spout off about how you'd 'just shoot the guy'. As firearm owners we all bear great responsability and power, and even when it's use is entirely justified, it can wreak havoc on our lives. Shoulder it nobely, and carry it well.

 

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

Another twisted story as reported. The Pc is on trial for "blating" the "victim"
Sheesh. Is this a tabloid?

 

[ojibweindian]

The officer is not a victim. He's a good cop who did his duty well, and he should be commended for it.

 

[cratz2]

"Blaze of glory", huh? What exactly is glorious about forcing a police officer to shoot you? Blaze of stupidity and cowardice is more like it.

And I definately think the police officer is a victim. The psychological torment many people go through after a shooting, even one in which they were entirely in the right, takes time to get over. If you ever do truly get completely over it.

 

[4v50 Gary]

I've met a few bobbies who couldn't take a life and abhor guns. Then again, I know a few who are just like the rest of us and could easily pull the trigger if lethal force was required.

 

[p35]

The cop isn't on trial; the inquest is basically a judicial investigation of an unusual death. They just called one on Princess Diana. Probably going to find that he was justified.