Probe launched after man dies in custody

Feb 23 2008 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

A POLICE watchdog is investigating the death of a man hours after he had been taken into custody.

Dean Grant, 20, fell ill while inside Pilgrim Street Police Station, Newcastle, on Wednesday evening and was found unconscious in a police cell.

Paramedics were called but Mr Grant, of Wigmore Avenue, Walker, was pronounced dead on the way to Newcastle General Hospital.

Mr Grant had been arrested at a house in the Shieldfield area of the city for a breach of bail at approximately 4.45pm that day.

He had originally been charged in connection with aggravated vehicle-taking and was due to appear before Newcastle magistrates.

Mr Grant had pleaded guilty to aggravated-vehicle taking, driving while disqualified, having no insurance and drink-driving on February 1, following the offences on January 30.

A post-mortem was carried out afterwards on his body but has proved inconclusive. Toxicology tests are now awaited. It has been reported that the 20-year-old may have been under the influence of alcohol or other substances when he was brought into custody.

The death was referred by Northumbria Police to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) on Wednesday night and an independent investigation is under way.

Gary Garland, IPCC Commissioner for the North East, said: “Any death in police custody must be independently investigated by the IPCC.

“The IPCC’s involvement is not an indication necessarily of any failings by the police, rather it is a requirement for independence in an investigation where a person dies while in the care of the police.

“My sympathies go out to those close to Mr Grant. Our investigation will cover all aspects of Mr Grant’s arrest and detention to ensure the correct procedures were followed and the required care given.”

A spokesman for Northumbria Police added: “We can confirm the death of Dean Grant. The matter is being investigated by the IPCC.”

Mr Grant’s family did not wish to comment last night when approached by The Journal.