‘Custody deaths’ corporate manslaughter crime

Police-Blurred Police and other authorities can now be prosecuted over deaths in custody in England, Scotland and Wales. Legislation which has now come into effect means police forces, the MoD, UK Border Agency and private firms managing people held in custody can be prosecuted for corporate manslaughter.

The main legislation came into force three years ago but ministers gave public bodies which hold people in detention until now to prepare for it. Campaigners have welcomed the change. Corporations can already be prosecuted for corporate manslaughter or for the equivalent offence (corporate homicide) in Scotland.

The extension of these offences to public bodies involved in detention means they could be prosecuted if they failed to ensure the safety of someone in their care.

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100’s pledge support for family of Kingsley Burrell

Kingsley Burrelloriginally by: Birmingham Mail
9th April 2011

Hundreds of people packed a city community centre to show their support for the family of a Birmingham father who died in police custody.

The public meeting at the African Caribbean Millennium Centre in Dudley Road, Winson Green, was organised by the family of Kingsley Burrell, 29, who died just days after he was arrested and sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has launched an investigation into his death. Kingsley’s sister Kadisha Brown-Burrell said her brother, who lived in Hockley, did not have mental health issues.

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How the police killed Mikey Powell

Mikey Powellfrom The Tribune
27th March 2010

A family of a black man who lost his life in police custody are campaigning to make sure that no one else has to suffer the six years of hell that they have endured trying to hold a local police authority to account.

The family of Mikey Powell have worked with the coroner to produce a list of actions they believe should be circulated to police and health authorities throughout the West Midlands and the whole country so that any restraint during arrest is appropriate, and officers give proper regard to family members and friends who may hold vital information about a person’s medical condition.

They also want to ensure that people with potential mental health problems are taken to a hospital rather than a police station for the correct supervision.

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