21 April 2021

Media release via Imran Khan solicitors

A five-week inquest opened on Monday 19 April at Suffolk Coroners Court to examine the death of father of three Paul Reynolds (also known as Paul Gladwell). Paul died at Pontins Holiday Park in Lowestoft on 14 February 2017, following restraint by Pontins security and contact with Suffolk Police officers.

Paul's partner, Carrie Bennett, said: “We the family of Paul Reynolds remain deeply shocked by his sudden death. Paul was a loving man and a doting father. He put his family and others first. We have a lot of questions about why he was put through this terrifying ordeal and why he died. We feel he was let down by Suffolk police and Pontins”.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct undertook an independent investigation into the contact between Mr Reynolds and Suffolk Police. Three police officers were served with gross misconduct notices. The matters were referred to the CPS to consider prosecutions in gross negligence manslaughter or under Health and Safety legislation. In 2020, the CPS declined to bring criminal charges, and a further Victim’s Right to Review, which sought the reversal of the CPS’s prosecutorial decision, was refused. Ms Bennett and family are considering their response to this decision.

Daniel Lemberger Cooper, from Imran Khan and Partners, solicitor for the family stated: “The inquest will examine in detail the actions and omissions of Pontins security services and Suffolk Police to find out what happened to Mr Reynolds, in order to provide the family with the answers that they deserve. The family are understandably anxious to learn whether the actions of the police and/or security staff caused or contributed to Mr Reynolds death. This is clearly a very concerning and shocking case.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

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