AN INQUEST into the death of a man at Haverfordwest police station has concluded that the method used to restrain him was a contributing factor in his death.
53-year-old Meirion James, from Crymych, died in custody after being arrested in January 2015.
He had called police and told them he had assaulted his mother.
Later that day, Mr James rushed out of his cell at police officers, who had to physically restrain him.
They also used Pava spray to try and control him.
The inquest ruled that officers were right to restrain Mr James, but the method used – pinning him down on his stomach – contributed to his death.
The failure to carry out a mental health assessment was also a failing on the police’s part, the jury said.
Assistant Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police, Vicki Evans, said: “On behalf of Dyfed-Powys Police, I want to express my sincere sympathy to Mr James’ family and friends who have had to go through an extended period of distress to reach this point.
“Mr James died in tragic circumstances and I cannot begin to comprehend the distress and grief this has caused for his family. Whilst I fully appreciate that nothing can lessen their loss, I hope the closing of Mr James’ inquest will help ease some of their distress.
“Ensuring the public are safe is a priority for our officers and staff and we deeply regret it when anyone comes to harm during or following police contact.
“Immediately after the incident we referred the case to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, now the IOPC. We fully co-operated with their investigation and their recommendations have been actioned.”
A police spokesperson added: “Improvements have been made in the four years since Mr James’ death, both in Dyfed-Powys Police and nationally, in the way that police support people who are suffering from a mental health illness.
“We acknowledge the return of a narrative verdict and will ensure that the coroner’s detailed report is carefully considered and any recommendations acted upon.”
The official ruling on the cause of Mr James’ death was positional asphyxia.
