In the Media

Wounded terror suspect may receive 'substantial' compensation

PUBLISHED June 8, 2006
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The terror suspect shot in a dawn raid in east London could receive "substantial" compensation from the police, a top legal expert warned today (TUE).

Mohammed Abdul Kahar suffered serious injuries after being shot in the shoulder by armed officers in his home in Forest Gate on Friday.

Despite a thorough search it is believed police have still not discovered any incriminating evidence against Kahar or his 20 year old brother Koyair

Today Louise Christian, of Christian and Khan Solicitors which specialises in personal injury claims, said if cleared of any wrongdoing Kahar would have a serious case for the "highest possible constitutional outrage".

She said: "Assuming that Kahar was not warned and there is no evidence to charge him with anything the police are at risk of paying out extremely serious damages in court.

"I think the damages will be substantial as a court has power to award large amounts in exemplary cases such as this.

"How much will depend on the physical injuries suffered as well as the long term psychological implications.

"There are set guidelines for the level of damages a jury can award, but I believe this will be the absolute constitutional upper limit if the police are found to have breached their obligations.

"What is likely to happen is that the police, hoping to avoid the embarrassment of settling in court, will offer a more generous award outside, as we saw with the Stephen Lawrence offer.

"If Mr Kahar is cleared there is no doubt that this represents the highest possible constitutional outrage, and that is the worst thing about this.

"Kahar may well suffer long term incapacity, lower life expectancy and psychological problems after his trauma."

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