7 November 201621 December 2022 4WardEverUK

‘Excited Delirium’ blamed for deaths in police custody

all credits: Buzz Feed
published: 29 October 2016

During the summer of 2011, 25-year-old Jacob Michael died after being restrained by 11 police officers outside his home. Just 45 minutes prior to his death he had dialled 999 saying he feared for his life.

Witnesses saw Michael being repeatedly hit with police batons, moments after two officers from Cheshire constabulary released pepper spray into his face, the BBC reported. CCTV footage showed officers holding Michael down on the floor. There was evidence that he had broken ribs and a torn liver.

1 November 201621 December 2022 4WardEverUK

Court hears how cop lied over Sean Rigg’s death

Justice for Sean Rigg — Family and supporters at London demo

source: Socialist Worker
published: 1 November 2016

A police officer lied in July 2012 when he gave evidence to the inquest into the death of Sean Rigg, a court heard this week.

Sean died in Brixton police station on 21 August 2008. Paul White was the custody sergeant in the police station on that day.

CCTV has shown that, when Sean was brought to the police station, he was held in a van in the yard.

After ten minutes he was moved to a caged area in the police station.

29 March 201621 December 2022 4WardEverUK

Thomas Orchard: Police custody death trial halted

Thomas Orchard sister 2013 — Thomas Orchard’s sister with families at UFFC 2013 demo

all credits: BBC News
published: 21 March 2016

The trial of three police staff accused of killing a man in custody has been halted for legal reasons.

Thomas Orchard, 32, had schizophrenia and died in October 2012 after being arrested in Exeter. Custody sergeant Jan Kingshott, 44, and civilian detention officers Simon Tansley, 38, and Michael Marsden, 55 were on trial for manslaughter.

The judge at Bristol Crown Court told the jury the 11-week trial “cannot continue”.

Mr Orchard suffered a heart attack at Heavitree Road Police Station and died later in hospital.