9 August 201116 December 2022 4WardEverUK

US investigates death of homeless man in police custody

originally by M&G News
4th August 2011

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation was investigating the death of a homeless man who succumbed to severe injures after being arrested in California, a news report said.

Six policemen from Fullerton, 50 kilometres south-east of Los Angeles, have been put on administrative leave in connection with the incident, broadcaster CNN reported late Wednesday. The arrest of Kelly Thomas, 37, on July 5, was captured on film by bystanders and the surveillance camera of a nearby bus stop.

A witness said she saw officers administer five electric shocks to him with a tazer. In the footage, which does not show the full incident, Thomas is seen apparently distressed and shouting for his father.

23 July 201116 December 2022 4WardEverUK

‘Forgotten’ terror suspect nears 5 years in prison

originally by: Your Local Guardian
13th July 2011

The family of Tooting’s ‘forgotten’ terror suspect, who remains in jail without trial, are preparing to mark the fifth anniversary of his imprisonment. Syed Talha Ahsan – a 31-year-old writer with Asperger syndrome – was arrested at his home in Franciscan Road, Tooting, on July 19, 2007, after US authorities requested his extradition.

Read about Syed here >

He is accused in the US of terrorism-related offences arising out of an alleged involvement with a series of websites between 1997 and 2004. Mr Ahsan’s case is linked to that of Babar Ahmad – but he has received much less media attention than Mr Ahmad, who was arrested in 2003 and is also still in prison.

1 June 201116 December 2022 4WardEverUK

‘Staff failed’ in Newport police cell death says IPCC

originally by: BBC News
25th May 2011

An investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) into the death of a “vulnerable” man in a police cell has found “staff failed” to protect him. Andrew David Sheppard, 22, was found dead at Newport Central police station on 30 September 2006.

An inquest into Mr Sheppard’s death also revealed “gross failings” in the system. Gwent Police has since implemented all eight recommendations made by the IPCC.

Mr Sheppard was detained by police under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983 after “behaving irrationally” on 30 September 2006. His family had been in contact with police and health professionals on several occasions, that day, to seek advice.