Policeman shoots civilian in 'Dirty Harry' safety lesson

A POLICE worker who was shot with a "Dirty Harry-style" Magnum gun during a safety demonstration is suing for £300,000 damages.

Keith Tilbury, 51, a control-room operator, was hit in the chest as he sat with 12 staff watching firearms officer PC David Micklethwaite demonstrating a range of weapons.

However, while PC Micklethwaite was demonstrating the Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum - the revolver used by Clint Eastwood in the Dirty Harry films - it suddenly went off. The bullet passed through Mr Tilbury's body, missing his vital organs, and paramedics managed to stabilise him at the Thames Valley headquarters in Kidlington, Oxfordshire. He then underwent surgery at the nearby John Radcliffe Hospital.

Mr Tilbury, of Hersham, Surrey, has not returned to work. He has now taken out a writ against the Thames Valley chief constable.

PC Micklethwaite said he had no idea the gun was loaded. He was not charged after the shooting but has been taken off firearms duties.