Police dismiss marksman stress claim

Former police constable Andrew Hurley, 34, is suing Gwent Police for £250,000 after suffering a breakdown following the armed response incident.

The firearms officer shot Cemalettin Ortancil, 19, in the shoulder when he tried to escape with £9,000 from the HSBC bank in Newbridge, south east Wales, in October 2000.

But at Cardiff County Court, solicitors acting for Gwent Police said Mr Hurley's compensation claim should be dismissed as the officer had failed to seek proper help.

"He is clearly to blame for failing to take advantage of support that was available to him," said Neil Moody, representing Gwent Chief Constable Keith Turner.

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Neil Moody, defence, Gwent Police

"He did not take advantage of help the force offered to him or take steps on his own behalf to deal with any psychological injury caused to him.

"His claim must be dismissed."

Mr Hurley was the first officer on the force to have opened fire on a suspect. He quit the force five months later.

He is being backed in his compensation claim by the Police Federation.

In earlier evidence, the court heard Mr Hurley had been isolated from his colleagues in the aftermath of the shooting.

Witness and colleague Pc Andrew Hughes said officers at the scene had not been allowed to wash their hands after the incident and were told to dress in white forensic suits, which he said was "insensitive and uncaring".

But on Monday, Mr Moody added police officers should be classed alongside fire and ambulance personnel and said they should not be allowed to claim for trauma compensation.

"Pc Hurley acted in an exemplary, brave and courageous way on that day and we do not wish to diminish that in any way," said Mr Moody.

"He has suffered a psychological injury as a consequence rather than as a result of what happened.

"Pc Hurley wanted praise and wanted recognition for what he had done and he did receive it, even if he would say it was too late."

Mr Hurley, a former soldier, said he had given "110 per cent" to his job.

"Before the shooting, I was a prolific officer with a high work rate and regarded myself as a very good officer," he said.

'Let down'

"Afterwards I found it hard work to motivate myself, I was disillusioned with the job and found it difficult to get through my shifts.

"I became depressed, very anxious and aggressive with a couldn't-care-less attitude. I felt let down by the force."

Mr Hurley was part of an armed response team called to a bank raid at Newbridge, Gwent, in October 2000.

Ortancil, who was armed with a replica Magnum revolver, was trapped in an alleyway by police while trying to flee on foot.

The teenager was later sentenced to 11 years youth custody and Pc Hurley won a commendation award for his action.

The case continues.