Larry Fedja

Police keep jobs after Lloyd Butler’s death

Lloyd Butleroriginally by: Birmingham Mail  
published: 25 January 2013

Two police officers filmed making insulting remarks about a man who later died in custody will keep their jobs despite being found guilty of misconduct.

Lloyd Butler, from Tile Cross, died aged 39 at Stechford police station in August, 2010 after being arrested after his family called 999 due to concerns about his behaviour while drunk. An independent hearing into officer’s conduct on that night found Sergeant Mark Albutt guilty of gross misconduct for failing in his duty of care.

Yet he will only face a written warning for “unacceptable” actions that “fell far below the force’s expectations” Pc Dean Woodcock will undergo further training after being found guilty of misconduct.

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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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