Custody death family fight on

The former paratrooper died in 1998

The family of a former paratrooper who died in police custody five years ago are to take their case to the European Court of Human Rights.

Christopher Alder, 37, died at Queens Gardens Police Station, Hull, in April 1998.

On Tuesday, five officers were cleared by an independent police disciplinary hearing of any wrongdoing surrounding his death.

Now his sister Janey Alder has vowed to carry on the legal battle.

"As far as I am concerned this case has to be taken further.

"It is going to go to the European courts on the grounds of inhumane and degrading treatment and the right to family life."

Unlawfully killed

The 37-year-old father-of-two died face down with his trousers around his ankles.

An inquest concluded Mr Alder, who had been arrested for breach of the peace, was unlawfully killed.

In the criminal trial that followed, all five officers were cleared of manslaughter and misconduct in a public office.

Sergeant John Dunn, 40, and Pcs Neil Blakey, 42, Mark Ellerington, 37, Nigel Dawson, 41, and Matthew Barr, 38, have also been cleared of neglect of duty following an independent hearing.

'Race discrimination'

Ms Alder, 40, said the family was also seeking damages through the civil courts and pursuing a race discrimination claim.

She said: "This is not going to go away. We are calling for a public inquiry.

"The police have told us no-one was responsible. Is no-one going to be responsible for Christopher's death?"

Assistant Chief Constable John Crosse denied racism had been a factor in Mr Alder's death.

The disciplinary hearing was carried out by Cleveland Police.