Thames Valley police officers guilty of gross misconduct following hospital restraint death
PCs Martyn Jones and Daniel Simson, have been found guilty of gross misconduct for using excessive force on a 24-year-old man who later died
Two Thames Valley Police officers who restrained a 24-year-old man in a hospital, who later died, have been found to have committed gross misconduct, following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.
PCs Martyn Jones and Daniel Simson, both based at Milton Keynes police station, faced a disciplinary hearing chaired by an independent legally-qualified individual, which concluded today.
The case was proven that PC Jones breached the police standard of professional behaviour regarding use of force, with both officers found to have breached the standard of duties and responsibilities. PC Jones has been dismissed without notice and will be placed on the policing barred list, preventing future employment with any police force. PC Simson has received a final written warning that will remain on his file for five years.
The hearing was informed that Brian Ringrose had been arrested on 27 January 2021 and taken to Milton Keynes University Hospital after officers were told he had swallowed a large quantity of tablets and appeared unwell. He remained under police guard and was later medically discharged into police custody. PCs Jones and Simson placed Mr Ringrose in a wheelchair to transport him to their police car, but he fell out and was restrained by officers on the hospital floor with handcuffs and limb restraints applied.
PC Jones had control of Mr Ringrose’s arms, raising them up behind his back as he lay face down. The officers called for support, and three more officers arrived to assist. Mr Ringrose was later transported to the police van using a Flexible Lift and Carrying System (FLACS). Upon being placed into the van, officers noticed Mr Ringrose was unresponsive. He was removed from the van, and officers administered CPR. He was returned to the hospital and placed in an induced coma but sadly died on 2 February 2021.
The disciplinary panel found that PC Jones used excessive force during the restraint. Both officers were found to have kept Mr Ringrose restrained in a prone position for an excessive period, failed to continually monitor him, and failed to provide prompt medical assistance.
IOPC regional director Charmaine Arbouin stated, “Our sympathies remain with the family and friends of Brian Ringrose and all those affected by this incident. Police officers are only allowed to use the minimum amount of force required in any situation they face. The pathologist gave the cause of death as restraint combined with drug toxicity, and an inquest will be held to investigate this further. Our investigation ensured these officers were held accountable for their actions, and an independently-chaired panel determined their actions amounted to gross misconduct. One officer has been dismissed without notice and will be barred from policing.”
In November 2022, the IOPC referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to consider a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm relating to PCs Jones’ and Simson’s actions during the restraint. The CPS decided no charges would be brought, and Mr Ringrose’s family challenged this decision using the Victim’s Right to Review process. In February 2024, the CPS confirmed that its original decision would stand.
The IOPC found that the three other officers present should be subject to the reflective practice review process (RPRP).
The investigation, initiated by a mandatory referral from Thames Valley Police, examined whether the officers’ decision to restrain Mr Ringrose was appropriate and if the force used was necessary, proportionate, and reasonable. It also assessed whether the officers considered Mr Ringrose’s welfare and mental health and if their actions contributed to his death.
The investigation involved interviews with the officers under investigation, two police witnesses, several hospital staff members, and three members of the public. Statements were obtained from a medical expert and public and personal safety trainers from both TVP and the Metropolitan Police. Hospital CCTV, body-worn video footage, hospital records, and relevant policies and procedures were reviewed.
At the start of the investigation, the IOPC recommended that TVP suspend the use of FLACS as a precautionary measure, a suspension that remains in place. The National Police Chiefs’ Council has also suspended FLACS for all forces in England and Wales.
An inquest into Mr Ringrose’s death is set for March 2025, and the IOPC's report and findings have been shared with HM Coroner to assist in the proceedings.