Criminal trial of police sergeant and two detention officers following the death of Thomas Orchard to start Tuesday 12 January 2016

8th January 2016

11am, Bristol Crown Court, Court Room 1
Before The Hon. Mr Justice King

The prosecution of Custody Sergeant Jan Kingshot and Detention Officers Simon Tansley and Michael Marsden, charged with unlawful act manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter, will begin on Tuesday 12 January 2016.  

On the morning of 3 October 2012 Mr Orchard was detained in Exeter City Centre by Devon and Cornwall police officers and transported to Heavitree Road police station where an Emergency Restraint Belt was used as a ‘spit hood’ and placed around his face.  Shortly after midday Mr Orchard was taken by ambulance to hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead on 10 October 2012.  Mr Orchard had a history of serious mental illness.

Ends

Notes to editors:

Please note the family of Thomas Orchard and INQUEST will not be making any further statements until conclusion of the trial.

INQUEST has been working with the family of Thomas Orchard since his death.  The family is legally represented by Hickman Rose Solicitors.