Julian Cole nightclub incident: Police officers face no criminal charges

Julian Cole, a sports science student, suffered severe brain damage in 2013

Five police officers will not face criminal charges over the way they dealt with a man who broke his neck outside a nightclub, the BBC has been told.

Julian Cole, a sports science student, was left brain damaged and paralysed as a result of an incident in Bedford in 2013.

The case was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service last September.

Mr Cole's mother Claudia said she will seek a review of the decision.

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She said: "Their decision makes no sense to me or Julian's family."

Bedfordshire Police said a gross misconduct hearing would be held.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) previously said four of the officers face allegations relating to their "honesty and integrity".

Mr Cole, who was a talented athlete and footballer, needs 24-hour care

Now aged 23, Mr Cole was injured during an incident involving bouncers and police outside the former Elements nightclub on Mill Street in May 2013.

The talented athlete and footballer broke his neck and suffered a severe injury to his spinal cord.

He now needs 24-hour care and his mother Claudia spends hours by his bedside in a care home.

'Insufficient evidence'

The case was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) by the IPCC.

A CPS spokesperson said: "CPS lawyers considered charges of misconduct in public office, perverting the course of justice and breaches of health and safety law.

"They have now concluded that there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction against any of the officers and no further action will be taken."

Mr Cole was injured outside the former Elements nightclub on Mill Street in Bedford

Bedfordshire Police said the gross misconduct hearing would be held in due course.

One officer has retired and the others could be sacked if the disciplinary charges are proved.

Temporary Dep Ch Con Mike Colbourne said: "Our thoughts remain with Julian Cole's family and friends, who have had to wait almost four years for this decision.

"It is disappointing the investigation by the IPCC took such a long time to get to this point, which has put added strain on Mr Cole's family and the officers involved."