£1.2 Million Settlement for Man Left Paralyzed After Police Incident
The family of Julian Cole has secured a £1.2 million High Court settlement following a horrific incident outside a Bedford nightclub in 2013. Julian, just 19 at the time, was forcibly restrained by Bedfordshire Police after being thrown out of Elements nightclub. The brutal encounter left him with a broken neck, severe spinal cord damage, and brain injury from oxygen deprivation.
Life-Altering Injuries Spark Controversy
Julian never recovered. He remains paralyzed and in a vegetative state, requiring 24/7 care at a medical facility. The police officers involved drove him about a mile to a station before calling an ambulance, showing a shocking delay in urgent medical help.
Though Bedfordshire Police denied liability, Mr Justice Martin Spencer indicated the officers’ actions were “indefensible” and a clear cause of Julian’s life-changing injuries. He also revealed attempts by officers to falsify accounts, prompting disciplinary actions.
Police Officers Censured but No Criminal Charges
- PCs Hannah Ross, Sanjeev Kalyan, and Nicholas Oates received final written warnings in 2018 for failing to perform welfare checks.
- The Crown Prosecution Service decided against criminal charges.
Family Hopes Settlement Will Improve Julian’s Care
Originally, the family hoped Julian could be cared for at home, but his condition requires specialist support. The settlement will fund additional therapies, equipment, and ongoing care at the facility he has lived in for the past decade.
“In Julian’s best interests to accept,” said family lawyer Angus McCullough KC.
Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst called the case “an absolute tragedy” and offered condolences.
While the payout offers vital financial support, it can never undo the devastating injuries that have altered Julian’s life forever.
