PC Blakelock Murder Accused Not Guilty

The man accused of stabbing PC Keith Blakelock during the 1985 Tottenham riots has been found not guilty of murder.

Nicky Jacobs, who was 16 at the time of the attack, had maintained his innocence throughout.

There were cheers from the public gallery as the verdicts were returned by a jury, who took just six hours to clear the 45-year-old with a majority of 10-2.

PC Blakelock, 40, was killed by an armed mob at the height of the riots at the Broadwater Farm estate 1985.

He was among a group of officers sent out without cover on the night of Sunday October 6, 1985 to protect firemen tackling fires.

Mr Jacobs stood up and punched the air as he was cleared, before breaking down in tears.

Those supporting him in the public gallery included Winston Silcott, whose conviction for the murder of PC Blakelock was quashed in 1991. Mr Silcott shouted "Yeah, yeah" and "Brother, brother" from the gallery.

Police have justified pursuing Mr Jacobs almost three decades after the riots in north London and pledged to continue to seek justice for PC Blakelock's death.

Estates were devastated during the riots

Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said: "No matter how difficult an investigation it has been to carry out - given the many years that have passed, the lack of forensic evidence and CCTV, plus the main witnesses to Keith murder's being those taking part in the riot - it was important we exhausted every possible lead we could.

"Sadly, Keith's widow, family and friends still have not seen anyone brought to justice for his murder. The dignity, extraordinary patience and courage they have shown in their nearly 30-year quest for justice is humbling.

"We will not give up on bringing Keith's killers to justice.

"There are people who know exactly who took part in the attack on Keith and people who took part themselves. It is not too late for you to come forward. Almost 30 years on people's lives are very different, their allegiances broken or shifted. Help us now."

One of PC Blakelock's three sons held his head in his hands as the verdict was delivered, while his widow, Elizabeth, quickly left the court.

During his trial the court heard from three anonymous witnesses who claimed to have seen Mr Jacobs take part in the killing.

The defendant had also written a rap poem during his time in a juvenile detention centre in which he boasted about "chopping" at the officer.

Defending, Courtenay Griffiths QC said: "Bob Marley wrote I Shot The Sheriff but I have not heard of him being put on trial for murder."

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