Family settles claim with police for £1.2m

Julian Cole faced a traumatic incident outside Elements nightclub in Bedford on May 6, 2013, where he was forcibly restrained by officers. At the time, the 19-year-old was attempting to re-enter the venue after being denied a refund.

The repercussions were severe, leaving Mr. Cole, now 30, with a broken neck, spinal cord damage, and subsequent brain damage. Bedfordshire Police reached an out-of-court settlement with his family, despite not admitting liability, a decision recently sanctioned at the High Court in London.

Mr. Justice Martin Spencer, overseeing the case, readily approved the settlement and condemned the officers for attempting to falsify their account of the events. He expressed no hesitation in endorsing the resolution.

Julian Cole, a first-year student at the University of Bedfordshire studying to become a PE teacher, had visited the nightclub with friends. However, he was ejected through a side door in the early hours of Monday and, when arrested, sought re-entry after the refund denial.

In 2018, a police misconduct hearing revealed that three officers had lied about Mr. Cole's condition during the arrest. Their statements claimed he could walk and get into the police van, but CCTV footage contradicted this, showing him being carried with his legs dragging on the ground and head hanging down. The officers were dismissed for dishonesty but were not criminally charged.

Julian Cole's mother, Claudia, attended the emotional High Court hearing along with his brother, Claude. The family's representative, Angus McCullough KC, stated that the settlement would cover additional care, therapies, and equipment.

The judge noted that the chief constable of Bedfordshire Police expressed regret and apology in a 2020 meeting. Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst acknowledged the tragedy, emphasizing that the actions of some attending fell below expected standards. He apologized to Mr. Cole's family for the officers' dishonest conduct, expressing continued sympathy for Mr. Cole and his loved ones