The Metropolitan Police Service has reached an out-of-court settlement with a retired ballet dancer who launched legal action after being shot with a Taser during a bungled dawn raid at his London home. The incident, which occurred in December 2021, saw armed officers force entry into the wrong address, resulting in the detention and arrest of an elderly man who was not the suspect they were seeking.
A Case of Grave Mistaken Identity
Roy Morton, who was 80 years old at the time and lives alone with a pacemaker, was subjected to a terrifying ordeal when firearms officers stormed his property in Cricklewood, north-west London. The police were actually searching for a black man in his twenties, but a call handler's error led them to Morton's address instead. Bodycam footage from the operation shows officers entering the home with torches, shouting commands, before deploying a Taser weapon at close range against the pensioner.
Traumatic Detention and Health Concerns
After being stunned by the electrical device, Morton fell backwards and was subsequently restrained, handcuffed, and arrested on suspicion of affray. He was then detained for a total of eleven hours before being released without any further action being taken. Due to concerns about the potential impact of the Taser discharge on his pacemaker, Morton was transferred to hospital during his period in custody. The retired dancer described feeling "physically and mentally diminished" by the experience, stating he had lost his sense of safety and calm within his own home.
Legal Proceedings and Settlement
Morton's civil claim against the Met alleged multiple offences including negligence, assault and battery, false imprisonment, and breaches of his right to a private life under the European Convention on Human Rights. Although the case was scheduled for a hearing in February, the force has now agreed to settle financially without admitting liability. An internal investigation by the Met did not identify any misconduct matters relating to the incident.
Apology and Promised Reforms
Detective Chief Superintendent Neil Smithson, who leads on professionalism for the Metropolitan Police, issued a full apology to Mr Morton. "We wholeheartedly apologise to Mr Morton and understand the impact this incident has had, while also recognising the amount of time it's taken to reach a conclusion in this case," he stated. The force has reviewed the circumstances and implemented specific training procedures aimed at preventing similar errors, including delivering enhanced training to every call handler within the organisation.
Rachel Harger of Bindmans law firm, who represented Morton, commented on the prolonged nature of the legal process. "There was an early public acknowledgment that a serious error had occurred, yet Mr Morton was forced to pursue proceedings to the brink of trial to achieve any finality. Prolonged denial and delay can itself become a source of real harm," she noted. The settlement brings an end to a distressing chapter for the octogenarian, who expressed hope that he can now begin to move forward from the traumatic events.
