Research & Reports

4WardEver UK

Sturgeon refuses to back custody inquiry after death of local man

Sheku Bayoh & Family
Sheku Bayoh & Family

source: Evening Telegraph
published: 7 November 2017

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has refused to commit to a full inquiry into custody arrangements in Scotland in the wake of the death of Sheku Bayoh in Fife two years ago.

However, the SNP leader promised her government would see what lessons could be learned from a UK inquiry. Dame Elish Angiolini’s report called for a ban on former police officers leading custody death investigations. She also wanted a team of independent investigators to be on call 24 hours a day.

Mr Bayoh, 31, died after being restrained by officers responding to a call in Kirkcaldy in May 2015.

Continue reading

4WardEver UK

UK watchdog criticises treatment of deportees on charter flights

Jimmy Mubenga
Jimmy Mubenga : Protesters

source: The Guardian
published: 6 July 2017

The enforced removal of some people from Britain on escorted chartered flights falls short of humane treatment, with some leaving the country in waist restraint belts or leg restraints almost as a default, according to an official watchdog.

The first annual report from the independent monitoring board covering charter flight deportations says that people being deported were generally treated fairly on Home Office charter flights but some aspects of their enforced removal fell short of providing basic dignity.

The board’s report on removals in 2016 highlighted the use of force or restraint, which in some cases “appears to be a hasty reaction to a mild statement to the escorts of unwillingness to leave”.

Continue reading

4WardEver UK

‘Excited Delirium’ blamed for deaths in police custody

Cases Adult UK - Police & Restraintall 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.

An inquest into his death concluded that Michael died from cocaine-induced “excited delirium” – a controversial medical condition you probably haven’t heard of.

Continue reading