London: The judge presiding over a coroner's inquest into the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes, a Brazilian man mistaken as terrorist, has ruled out a verdict of unlawful killing.

Former High Court judge, Sir Michael Wright, began summing up seven weeks of evidence by telling jurors they will only be allowed to return a verdict of lawful killing or an open verdict in the July 2005 death of De Menezes.

De Menezes was shot by police a day after terrorists tried to set off bombs in London.

Having considered all the evidence, a verdict of unlawful killing was "not justified", he said.

The coroner told jurors to cast aside "any emotion" over the innocent Brazilian's shooting.

He also warned the 11 jurors they must not attach any criminal or civil fault to individuals.

He told them verdicts cannot be inconsistent with the outcome of the Metropolitan Police's health and safety trial, which spared Deputy Assistant Commissioner Cressida Dick of personal blame.

Reminding the jury that the Brazilian's mother, Maria Otone de Jenezes, had seen much of the evidence, the coroner added: "I know that your heart will go out to her."

"But these are emotional reactions, ladies and gentlemen, and you are charged with returning a verdict based on evidence.

"Put aside any emotion - put them to one side."

"An inquest is not a trial. It's required to establish the facts when someone dies unexpectedly or violently," coroner said.

Source : PTI