An end of sorts to pool tragedies

2:44pm Thursday 19th July 2007

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The deaths of Gameli Akuklu and William Kadama five years ago were a terrible tragedy that could and should have been avoided.

The large fines handed down to the Metropolitan Police and Barnet Council reflect the gravity of the failures - especially on the part of the police - which led to the boys' deaths.

The judge's decision not to increase the police's fine because he did not want to divert more money from the fight against crime is also telling. The police are lucky not to be facing an even bigger pay-out.

That both parties admitted their guilt is to their credit, but it should not be forgotten that PC Danny Phillips was appallingly made a scapegoat and charged with manslaughter, before rightly being acquitted of all charges. His employers at the Met should be ashamed of the way in which he was hung out to dry.

Closing the pool as a mark of respect at the time of the deaths was understandable, but questions must now be asked why the pool has never been reopened.

No price tag can be put on William and Gameli's lives, and it can only be hoped that a line is now drawn under the case, allowing their families to grieve in peace.