Police watchdog to investigate Sussex officers who used Taser on 93-year-old man
The man, who had dementia, died three weeks following the incident in St Leonards
Two Sussex Police officers face a criminal investigation for manslaughter for their use of force on a 93-year-old man with dementia in St Leonards.
Officers were called to a care home on June 21st following reports that Donald Burgess had a knife and was threatening staff.
One used incapacitant spray and a baton in a bid to subdue Mr Burgess, while the other deployed a Taser.
They were able to removed the knife from the man, who was handcuffed before being taken to hospital for medical treatment.
Mr Burgess died three weeks later, on July 13th.
His cause of death is not yet known, although a post-mortem has been carried out. The findings of further cardio-pathology examinations are awaited,
In a statement, Sussex Police made a voluntary conduct referral to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC), which is the usual practice and were notified by the IOPC that it would be carrying out an independent led investigation.
Gross misconduct notices have now been served by the IOPC on the two officers involved, both police constables, along with letters advising them they are under criminal investigation for manslaughter.
These actions do not necessarily mean disciplinary proceedings or criminal charges will follow.
Assistant Chief Constable Tanya Jones said:
“We want to express our sympathies to the family and friends of Mr Burgess. Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.
“We are providing every assistance to the IOPC to allow for a thorough investigation and for the family to receive the answers they need.”