DISCIPLINE hearings resumed today over the fatal police shooting of an unarmed man last year.

Deputy Chief Constable Mark Jordan, suspended in February, and Assistant Chief Constable Nigel Yeo were expected to defend their roles in the incident at a special meeting of the Sussex Police Authority in Lewes.

Mr Jordan was suspended after an inquiry alleged his decision to release guns for the operation was based on insufficient information.

James Ashley was shot dead in a police raid at his Hastings flat in January last year.

Chief Constable Paul Whitehouse was suspended and later reinstated after the authority issued him with "strong written advice" over allegations that he misled the public and the authority by saying the operation had been properly planned.

PC Chris Sherwood has been charged with murdering Mr Ashley, and four other officers are accused of misfeasance or misconduct. They are Supt Chris Burton, Acting Det Chief Insp Kevin French, Det Insp Christopher Paul Siggs and PC Robert Shoesmith.

They have all been bailed to appear before Bow Street magistrates in London on May 21.

An inquest on James Ashley was at Hastings yesterday adjourned until after the outcome of the court proceedings.

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