Emotions high at police shooting inquest

Emotions ran high today at a coroner's inquest into the death of Stephen Bellingham, shot by police following a rampage in Christchurch two years ago.

The senior sergeant involved, known as Officer A, broke down as he gave evidence - as did members of Mr Bellingham's family - on the opening morning of the inquest in Christchurch.

Fourteen witnesses are expected to give evidence at the hearing.

Mr Bellingham was shot in the chest and leg in September 2007 following reports of him smashing car windows with a claw hammer.

He was understood to have been on a party pill binge and police said he was advancing on, and threatening the officer shortly before being shot.

Earlier this year, the Independent Police Conduct Authority cleared Officer A of acting unlawfully in the shooting and found he acted in self-defence. However, the IPCA investigation also found that the officer broke police procedures by not telling other officers he was armed or even at the scene.

- NZPA