The Murden Family Statement in Reply to No Charges Being Brought Against the Police - 3rd October 2006
It is with unbelievable shock and astonishment that our family and friends have responded to the news that no criminal charges will be brought against the Police for the terrible and untimely death of Simon.
The thorough and vigorous investigation by the IPCC and discussions with the Crown Prosecution Service and the knowledge that we have from this, had indicated a very different outcome. In our opinion a Coroner’s inquest is NOT the court in which the events of March 22nd 2005 should be examined.
Simon was gentle, sensitive, humorous, quick witted, creative and thoughtful to others, calm in all circumstances, kind and genuine. He was a loyal friend who loved life.
Some of the initial media reports were terrible lies about Simon and us as a family and these were so hurtful at a time of such grief.
Our much loved, thoughtful, gentle son and brother deserves truth, accountability and justice.
We know that a Coroner’s court is a court of law, but it is not the appropriate place for a full and transparent account of the events surrounding the terrible death of Simon to be judged.
We and our friends are determined to pursue Simon’s case to ensure justice for him. He did not deserve such a shocking death at the hands of the Police.
The past 18months has been unbearably painful for us and his many friends, we all remember Simon with so much love. He was an every-day, fun-loving young man with everything to live for. That his work for the And Albert Charity ended so shockingly in a death of such unbelievable circumstances is still impossible for us to fully comprehend.
None of the family is willing to answer questions now and we ask that you understand and will accept this. We hope that the media can continue to respect our privacy during this incredibly difficult time and trust that, with us they are looking for truth and justice to prevail.
Thoughts and reactions of friends of Simon’s on 3rd Oct 2006
I think that the decision Ken McDonald QC made regarding our friend Simon was based primarily on the statements of the two officers. I do not think there was enough account given to the witnesses to the views they had and to all the hard work done by the IPCC or CPS and the conclusions they made which were different to the one made by Mr McDonald. They should have been trusted to do their job and been backed up by Mr McDonald. We pay their wages through taxation and would like worthy and proper representation.Not for a person we loved dearly who lost his life, to be let down so.
What kind of justice system do we have? If one man can overturn one and a half years of work from the IPCC/patience from the family and friends. All in a search for the truth, I thought we had a fair justice system, but that remains to be seen. This not only ridicules the IPCC it makes their existence pointless. More to serve false hope for friends and family to cling onto only to be left disappointed and disillusioned when they’re delivered with the news ‘sorry no charges will be pressed’. This has happened not just to us but to many others in the UK, people who just want to hear the truth about the loved one they have lost. Instead people are built up just to have the truth and any kind of justice snatched from their grasp, if this is the shape of things to come. God help us all.
The decision reached today has shocked and saddened me beyond my own belief. Once again this country has, has favoured the people that should be held accountable for their actions. My good friend Simon is not the Simon portrayed in the initial reports, it seems that this is what Ken McDonald has based his findings on. Simon was a happy, loyal and trustworthy friend who should still be with us now. I seek justice for Simon and his family who should not be dragged through the situation they have found themselves in. I will continue to love and support Simon’s family and everything he believed in. He’ll be with me forever. Nobby.
As I write this, the waves of shock still surge through every vein, to believe that one person holds so much power disgusts me and raises only one question in my mind…’are we truly free as a society. And can we actually trust any form of authority??? It seems that if the IPCC don’t even get taken seriously then how the hell can an average citizen begin to even stand out to these “men” (or this man!). With such harrowing realisation I find out for myself today that our justice system actually is the joke I thought it was.It’s a shame really, I actually thought we lived in a moderately fair country, well all I can say now is “welcome to 1984” we are already here!!!! One love Simon. My promise to you is……we will fight and fight and fight 4 justice 4 you. Mike.
I liken this man to Janus the two faced God, for that is surely how he thinks of himself as a God, but not a fair God. What happened to truth and justice for all. This is wrong, wrong wrong. All we want is justice for Simon. It seems he has made a mockery of our judicial system and a fool of the IPCC and CPS. I wonder on his sanity, how does he sleep at night.
What right does 1 man have to make this decision? Today is a dark day for the future of citizens of this country. To show such callous disregard for justice is incomprehensible. Simon was a gentle and caring lad, a great friend to us all. He was never hungry for power or status unlike those who have taken him from us.
The last 18months has been horrific for all involved but we will fight until these people are held to account. The memory of Simon and everything he stood for will live on, we will make sure of that. Peace and one love, always. Big Mike x
I am very saddened but admit not shocked that once again the establishment has covered themselves with a very one sided version of events. Simon was a lovely human being who deserved a lot more and in his death never got justice. I feel the IPCC and CPS must have been put in place for somekind of token gesture by the said powers that ‘be’! To make out that there is justice, but I think we now know the sad truth about our democratic justice system yet again! Simon lives on regardless in all his family and friends and we know the real Simon and real truth. Love and peace, Ash.
I am dumbfounded and speechless with shock, anger and despair. How Ken McDonald, one single man entrusted and empowered with justice for the people that he is supposed to serve can decide that the individuals responsible for the DELIBERATE DEATH of a kind and caring gentleman were acting in a ‘reasonable’ manner is absolutely beyond my comprehension. I still see to this day and always will that, which is well known: it is possible to restrain an individual without permanently ending his life. Yet these highly trained police officers didn’t. The only NEW question I can muster to do over and above the past 18 months. The question is: who holds Ken McDonald responsible? The world once was a better place with Simon Murden in it. BNX
Simon you came into this world a beautiful baby and I watched you grow into a truly wonderful, gentle and peaceful young man. Your future held such promise and goodness. Today’s news saddened and filled me with such anger and disappointment. I pray for all the family and friends whose lives have been affected and changed forever. Lord we need your power to bring truth, freedom and justice to this terrible and wicked injustice that has been carried out here today. Have mercy on us all. Sandy. X
How can they call this justice? Simon’s memory is again tarnished by the media lies! How one man with such power can be so blind to the facts and truth astonishes me. It has been a long wait for this huge let down. I trust that the wrong decision will be righted and those accountable will be held accountable. I feel let down by a system which was set up for us, the public. Human rights act, Every individual has the right to a life protected by law! What a load of ****. Still seeking truth and justice for Simon – 3rd October 2006. Jen xxx
The whole point of the Police is to protect the public, well killing a member of the public is not what I call protection. Then to top it all off they spread lies over the media to cover up the truth to protect themselves. Hardly justice. Love and Peace to friends and family of Simon. James xx
For 18 months Simon’s family and friends have patiently waited, keeping silent in the hope of justice. No justice has been achieved. The Officers responsible have managed to brush this under the carpet and in the process have made a mockery of the IPCC, supposedly independent have been turned into puppets and pawns in their game. Just ticking a box to say we have independent bodies to review Police action – only to be quashed by one powerful man who doesn’t wish to rock the boat. Well the boat is rocking however many they can gather to silence us – the more we can gather to bring it out in the open. Justice for Simon. And love to all his family and friends, Eddie.
There are no words though i'm outraged, deeply saddened and hugely letdown now is the time to put the record straight and give a fitting tribute to the Simon we all know and loved. Rachael
This is sad news for us all but we are still looking to God. Justice and truth has suffered but will prevail in the end. Wumbe.
What a bloody disgrace. Our thoughts are with you. Stephen.
What a white-wash. We can't believe it. Thinking of you. B & T.