The sister of a man shot dead by a Sussex Police officer yesterday laid a wreath outside force headquarters.

Holding a banner carrying James Ashley's image, his sister said the family would not rest until they had won justice.

Pauline Ashley has vowed to return to the Lewes headquarters from her home in Liverpool each year until a public inquiry is held.

Home Secretary David Blunkett has so far refused to order one but his actions led to the early retirement of former chief constable Paul Whitehouse.

It was four years ago yesterday that 39-year-old Ashley, unarmed and naked in bed, was shot dead during a police raid on his flat in St Leonards.

Marksman, PC Chris Sherwood, was cleared of unlawful killing at the Old Bailey and three senior officers were cleared of misconduct at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

The three, chief inspectors Kevin French, 48, and Christopher Siggs, 42, and Superintendent Chris Burton, 44, are still facing 15 disciplinary charges concerning their role in the raid.

Mr Whitehouse resigned on full pension after the Home Secretary wrote to the Sussex Police Authority demanding it take action to restore public confidence in the force.

Former deputy chief Mark Jordan, who also faced disciplinary charges, this month was retired on medical grounds and full pension.

Miss Ashley, 38, said her family wanted the law changed so police officers responsible for shooting deaths were brought to account.

She said: "No one has been punished for the death of my brother and we won't go away until someone is.

"We also want a full and open public inquiry and get all these officers on the stand so we can ask them exactly what they did the day my brother died.

"We have never heard their explanations and we will not rest until we have."

Her wreath carried a card: "If tears could wash away the pain, we would not feel such hurt again."

Miss Ashley said: "Jimmy was a great character and full of life. People say the pain gradually goes but it doesn't. This injustice makes it worse."

Deputy Chief Constable Maria Wallis wrote to Miss Ashley expressing her sympathy. Yesterday, she offered to meet with Miss Ashley but her offer was declined.