Leroy Logan: the man who risked everything to fight racism in the police force – from within
THE SUN- 20 November 2020
He joined the Met Police in London in a bid to change it from within after his dad was beaten “black and blue” by two coppers.
Rising to the position of superintendent, he played a key role in investigating the killing of Damilola Taylor, policed the 2012 Olympic Games, fought knife crime and helped found the National Black Police Association (BPA).
On hearing of Leroy’s remarkable story, Oscar-winning director Sir Steve McQueen made a film about him called Red, White And Blue as part of a BBC series titled Small Axe, which started on Sunday.
In Red, White And Blue — being screened on November 29 — Star Wars actor Boyega gives what has been described as his best performance yet as the unbowed Leroy.
But Sir Steve’s drama ends before Leroy’s most crucial work begins — helping to bring the killers of ten-year-old Damilola to justice.
That case, which shocked the nation 20 years ago this month, was deeply personal for Leroy. He knew Damilola’s dad Richard, because he is the cousin of Leroy’s wife Gretl.
He told The Sun: “It meant more to me, there was a family connection. It had a massive impact on my wife. But I didn’t want it to get in the way of the investigation.”
The senseless end of primary school pupil Damilola’s life on a concrete stairwell in November 2000 shocked the nation. CCTV footage showed him hopping and skipping 15 minutes before a pack of young boys descended on him in a council estate in Peckham, south London.
