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Larry Fedja

‘Not enough’ medical evidence claims health specialist at custody death inquest

Female Medical Forensic Doctorfrom Birmingham Mail
24th November 2009

A health specialist said “not enough” medical evidence was collected after a Birmingham man died in police custody, an inquest jury heard.

Michael Powell, aged 38, was taken to Thornhill Road Police Station, in Handsworth, after he was arrested for causing a disturbance outside his Lozells home. He died while in police cells on September 6, 2003.

The father-of-three had carried the sickle cell trait, a genetic blood disorder which, when coupled with severe physical exertion, can lead to sudden death.

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4WardEverUK

Man who died in police cells showed signs of ‘mental illness’ says GP

Face in the Shadowsfrom Birmingham Mail
18th November 2009

A Birmingham GP described how she suspected a father-of-three had signs of “mental illness” three days before he died in police custody, an inquest heard.

Michael Powell, aged 38, was taken to Thornhill Road Police Station, in Handsworth, after he was arrested for causing a disturbance outside his home. He died while in the police cells on 7th September 2003.

GP Prema Iyengar told the inquest at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall she had been Mr Powell’s doctor for more than 15 years.

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4WardEverUK

Witness hears custody death man mum’s plea for an ambulance

Mikey Powell sister and mother
Mikey Powell’s sister and mother

from Birmingham Mail 13th November 2009

The mother of a man who died in police custody shouted “he needs an ambulance” shortly before he was taken away in a riot van, an inquest heard.

Michael Powell suffered a cardiac arrest in a cell at Thornhill Road Police Station, Handsworth, six years ago after being arrested for smashing windows and violent behaviour outside his mother’s home in Wilton Street, Lozells.

Neighbour Michael Clifford said he watched at least five police officers restraining the father-of-three before he was placed in a police van. He told the inquest jury: “They were trying to calm Michael Powell down.

“He was on the ground. It sounded like he couldn’t get his breath, that he was struggling. He just kept on trying to get back up but the police officers kept him down. The police managed to get Mr Powell under control and he stopped struggling.

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