PC on boys' manslaughter charges

Gameli Akuklu was 14 when he drowned at the pool in Hendon

A police officer charged with the manslaughter of two boys who died after a summer activity in a Met training pool, has appeared in court.

PC Danny Phillips, 42, was also charged with contravening health and safety at work regulations at the hearing at the City of London Magistrates' Court.

Gameli Akuklu and William Kadama, both 14, were pulled unconscious from the, north London pool, in July 2002.

The PC was given unconditional bail until his Old Bailey trial on 15 April.

Gameli, from Colindale, north London and William, from Grahame Park, also in north London had been on a scheme run by the police and Barnet Council.

A lifeguard got them out of the Hendon training pool but the first boy was pronounced dead at Northwick Park Hospital soon after.

William died a few days later at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

PC Phillips continues to works at the force's human resources directorate in a "non-operational" role.