PLEASE NOTE: This inquest has been delayed and will now commence on Tuesday 13 November

8 November 2018

Before HM Senior Coroner Ian Stewart Smith
Hanley Town Hall, Hanley, Stoke on Trent
Opens Tuesday 13 November – expected to last 3 weeks

Adrian McDonald died aged 34 on 22 December 2014, following arrest by Staffordshire Police, during which he was tasered and seriously bitten by a police dog. The inquest into his death will commence on Monday 12 November at Hanley Town Hall.

The inquest will examine the options available to the police officers who dealt with Adrian, given his presentation, and the circumstances which contributed to his death.

Adrian was originally from Huddersfield. His family and friends say he is deeply missed by all of them, but most of all by his two young children. They said his death has left a gap in the family that can never be filled. Almost four years on, Adrian’s family believe the length of time the inquest has taken to reach a hearing is disproportionate and upsetting. This delay is due to the time taken by the then Independent Police Complaints Commission to investigate the matter and report.

Wayne McDonald, Adrian’s brother, said: “It’s been 4 years since we lost Adrian, that’s four years since we last heard him laugh, smile, and four years since his children last got to give him a hug. He loved his family and it pains us to watch his children growing knowing that he is missing out on all of their milestones. Adrian had so much to live for and it feels so unfair that he isn’t here with us today.

We have been there at every stage of the inquest process, fighting for Adrian, and for each of the families who have lost a loved one while in police custody. The process takes far too long to reach a hearing. It means you cannot truly grieve for the loss of your loved one because you have to relive it time and time again.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

For further information, please contact Lucy McKay on 020 7263 1111 or here.

INQUEST has been working with the family of Adrian McDonald since his death. The family is represented by INQUEST Lawyers Group member Ruth Bundey of Harrison Bundey solicitors, and Jason Pitter QC of New Park Court Chambers, Leeds.