Met Police found guilty in Menezes trial

The Metropolitan Police has been convicted of breaching health and safety laws over the shooting of innocent Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes.

The force has been fined fined £175,000 and ordered to pay £385,000 costs by trial judge Mr Justice Henriques.

Mr de Menezes, 27, died following a "catastrophic" series of errors in the operation which ended when he was shot seven times by specialist firearms officers at Stockwell Tube station after being mistaken for failed suicide bomber Hussain Osman.

Prosecutors at the Old Bailey set out 19 alleged failings in the police operation in the hours leading up to the shooting on July 22, 2005.

The jury convicted the force on the second day of its deliberations with Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair in court to hear the verdict.

The force now faces an unlimited fine but has indicated it will appeal.

In a rider to the verdict, the jury cleared the officer in charge of the operation which led to the shooting, Cressida Dick of personal responsibility.

The foreman told the court: "In reaching this verdict the jury attaches no personal culpability to Commander Dick."

The de Menezes family vowed not to rest in their fight for justice and said they were awaiting a "full and thorough" inquest.

Erionaldo da Silva, speaking on behalf of the family, said: "Today is emotional for us, here in London.

"I have spoken to Jean's mother, Maria, and she said nothing can bring Jean back, but she's at least pleased that the men and the women of the jury have found the Metropolitan Police guilty of the charge.

"We remain determined to ensure that the full truth about Jean's death is made public and those responsible for his death are held accountable in a court of law.

"We are now awaiting a full and thorough inquest, where we as a family will finally be able to participate and seek answers to all our questions.

"We will not rest in our fight for justice."

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