Other Custody Deaths

Tippa Naphtali

Angry bereaved families march on Downing Street

UFFC 14th Demo 2012 - Children carry UFFC banneroriginally by: IRR News  
published: 1 November 2012

On Saturday 27 October, over 500 people gathered to march from Trafalgar Square to Downing Street for the annual United Families and Friends Campaign remembrance procession for those that have died in state custody.

The march made its way slowly down Whitehall, led by the sons, daughters, grandchildren, nieces and nephews of those  that have died. A symbolic coffin on which was written all the names of the deceased was carried.

The march was joined this year by new families as well as those veterans that have marched each of the last fourteen years that the commemorative march has been held.

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4WardEverUK

Relief after truth about custody death emerges

Lenny McCourtby: The Northern Echo  
published: 31st October 2012

The family of a grandfather who died in police custody today spoke of their relief at the truth finally emerging at an inquest into his death – that he had died while being transported in a police van.

Relatives spoke after members of a jury said they believed Lenny McCourt, who had been pepper sprayed during his arrest, died in transit on the short journey between his home in Ash Crescent, in Seaham and Peterlee Police Station, County Durham.

Mr McCourt’s sister-in-law Tracey McCourt, speaking on behalf of the family following the 11-day hearing in Crook, said: “They are the best words that could have been said. Because it is what we have always believed – that Lenny died in the police van.

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Larry Fedja

Police criticised over death of former cage fighter

Jacob Michael - CCTV Footageoriginally by: The Guardian  
published: 26 October 2012

A coroner has criticised a police force after “serious deficiencies” in procedures were exposed by an inquest into the death of a former cage fighter who was pepper-sprayed by officers. Jacob Michael, 25, died by misadventure as a result of “cocaine induced excited delirium”, an inquest jury found.

But the jury also found that a catalogue of police failures may have contributed to his death.

Speaking after the inquest, Michael’s mother, Christine Michael, said she was disappointed by the verdict and said she still held the police responsible.

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