ACTIONS AGAINST POLICE

Justice For Ivan Martin: Taser Assault, False Evidence and the Police Cover Up

The case of Ivan Martin is a landmark example of police misconduct involving both the reckless use of a taser and a subsequent attempt to concoct a story to justify an unlawful arrest. Represented by specialist solicitor Iain Gould, Mr. Martin’s victory at trial exposed a lack of institutional accountability within West Midlands Police (WMP).

The Incident: A Case of Blatant Misidentification

In February 2011, 54-year-old Ivan Martin was at his former wife’s home when three WMP officers arrived looking for his son, Ivan Martin Junior. Despite sharing a name, the two men bore no physical resemblance: Mr. Martin was a middle-aged, heavy-set, bald man, while his son was 21 years younger with a slim build and an afro haircut.

Despite Mr. Martin’s clear explanation that he was not the man they were looking for, the situation escalated:

  • The Pursuit: When Mr. Martin stepped back into his house to avoid being grabbed, one officer lost his balance and fell. The officers then followed Mr. Martin into his kitchen.
  • The Assault: Without any warning, PC Howell fired his taser into Mr. Martin’s back.
  • The Impact: Martin described the pain as feeling like he had been shot or stabbed. His body went to jelly, and he collapsed face down on the floor.

The Fabricated Justification

Once handcuffed, Mr. Martin insisted the officers check his identification. Realising their mistake, rather than apologising the officers fabricated an account to justify the assault. They claimed Mr. Martin had pushed an officer and ignored a taser warning before running. Mr. Martin was arrested for assaulting police and obstruction, then detained for 17 hours before being released with no further action.

The Jury Trial: Exposing The Cover-Up

Because West Midlands Police refused to accept Mr. Martin’s version of events, the case proceeded to a six-day jury trial at Birmingham Country Court. The jury’s findings were a total vindication of Mr. Martin:

  1. No Warning: They found that PC Howell had given no warning before firing the taser.
  2. False Evidence: they determined that all three officers involved had given false evidence in court about Mr. Martin’s actions.

Specialist Insight: A System That Protects Its Own

Iain Gould comment on the institutional responses:

‘’West Midlands police attempted a cover up… the officers concocted a story so as to justify their actions and Mr. Martin’s arrest.’’

Despite internal recommendations for disciplinary action, the officers remained unpunished. While the police claimed to the press that management action was taken, one officer confirmed under oath that he was never even informed of the investigation’s outcome.

The Outcome: Record Breaking Damages

The jury ordered West Midlands Police to pay £26,500.00 in compensation. At the time, this was believed to be the highest amount ever awarded in England and Wales for a Taser assault claim.

The award included £8,250.00 in exemplary damages, a rare and significant penalty intended to punish the police for oppressive and unconstitutional conduct.

Why This Case Matters: Breaking the Blue Wall of Silence

Ivan Martin’s case proves that the police cannot always be trusted to provide an honest account of their use of force. It highlights the vital role of a jury and specialist legal representation in uncovering the truth when officers “circle the wagons” to protect their own. Without a civil claim to force the evidence into the light, the police’s concocted story would have stood unchallenged.

If you have been subjected to a Taser assault and believe the police are fabricating evidence to justify their actions, you do not have to stay silent. You have the right to fight back and set the record straight.

Contact our specialist actions against the police team today. We have the experience to see through police fabrications and help you secure the justice you deserve.