6 November 201217 December 2022 4WardEverUK

Family’s relief after truth about custody death emerges

by: The Northern Echo
published: 31st October 2012

The family of a grandfather who died in police custody today spoke of their relief at the truth finally emerging at an inquest into his death – that he had died while being transported in a police van.

Relatives spoke after members of a jury said they believed Lenny McCourt, who had been pepper sprayed during his arrest, died in transit on the short journey between his home in Ash Crescent, in Seaham and Peterlee Police Station, County Durham.

3 November 201217 December 2022 4WardEverUK

Angry bereaved families march on Downing Street

originally by: IRR News
published: 1 November 2012

On Saturday 27 October, over 500 people gathered to march from Trafalgar Square to Downing Street for the annual United Families and Friends Campaign remembrance procession for those that have died in state custody.

The march made its way slowly down Whitehall, led by the sons, daughters, grandchildren, nieces and nephews of those that have died. A symbolic coffin on which was written all the names of the deceased was carried.

28 October 201217 December 2022 4WardEverUK

200 deaths of imprisoned young people in ten years

originally by: Prison Reform Trust
published: 24 October 2012

A new evidence based report examining the experiences and treatment of children and young people who died in prison custody in England and Wales is published by INQUEST and the Prison Reform Trust today. Fatally Flawed: Has the state learned lessons from the deaths of children and young people in prison? is an in-depth analysis of the deaths of children and young people (aged 18-24) while in the care of the state.

Following the death of Joseph Scholes, a 16 year old boy who died at Stoke Heath Young Offender Institution in 2002, there was widespread public and parliamentary concern and calls made for a public inquiry.