'Feud' victim loses action against police

A man who was shot outside his home by a "dangerous assassin" during a police undercover operation has lost a High Court damages action against the Metropolitan force.

Anthony Brindle, now 37, sustained gunshot wounds to the left elbow, chest and thigh outside his home in Rotherhithe, south London, in September 1995.

He was shot by contract killer Michael Boyle, a former IRA intelligence officer.

Mr Brindle claimed the Metropolitan Police failed to protect him, taking an "unacceptable risk" with his life. The force denied negligence.

Team's 'calibre'

Mr Justice Curtis, sitting at London's Law Courts, ruled against Mr Brindle and said: "I have had past experience of incompetent and dishonest police officers.

"I should make it clear that I have tried to look critically at each police officer in this case and I have to record that I was impressed by the calibre and professionalism of the team who were engaged in this investigation."

Mr Brindle claimed he also suffered psychiatric injury which lead to palpitations, insomnia, inability to concentrate and difficulty breathing.

The background to the shooting involved a long-standing "feud" between the Brindles and another family, the court heard.

In 1991 Mr Brindle's brother, David, was shot dead by two masked men in a pub.

In 1994 his brother George was hit with several shots from a handgun fired in the street by an assailant.

Mr Brindle was not present in court for the ruling.

Boyle, from Dublin, was jailed for life for the attempted murder of Mr Brindle at the Old Bailey in 1997.