Officers dismissed after man's death in police van

Stephen Reardon suffered seizures in the police van

Two police officers have been dismissed after failing to give emergency first aid to a man who died after he collapsed in the back of a police van.

After an Independent Office for Police Conduct investigation (IOPC), a misconduct hearing in Exeter found the two officers from Devon and Cornwall Police had committed gross misconduct.

It heard how PCs Grant Mackenzie and Dean Hunkin transported Stephen Reardon in their van and during this time he suffered seizures.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the misconduct panel determined PC Mackenzie would be dismissed without notice and PC Hunkin would have been dismissed without notice had he still been a serving police officer.

The IOPC investigation revealed the officers failed to spot Mr Reardon, 34, needed urgent medical attention.

They had arrested him in St Austell for driving under the influence of drink or drugs in July 2023.

Mr Reardon was handcuffed and transported in the back of a police van for the journey to Newquay police station.

The investigation found he had slumped to the floor minutes into the trip to the station and van CCTV showed him suffering seizures and visibly trembling.

The IOPC said PC Hunkin had said Mr Reardon was "playing games".

After arriving at the custody unit, officers administered first aid in the yard of the station.

He was then taken by ambulance to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

PC MacKenzie had argued as he was driving the van, responsibility for monitoring Mr Reardon fell to his colleague.

However the panel deemed both officers had joint responsibility and should have offered early medical assistance.

'Tragic case'

IOPC director Derrick Campbell said: "Even when the van was stationary at the custody gates, there was still no urgency on the part of either officer to commence first aid, despite them being aware he'd been unresponsive for at least seven minutes.

"None of the attending officers seemed to take responsibility for Mr Reardon's supervision and he was not thoroughly searched.

"This is a tragic case. I express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Reardon for their loss."

Devon and Cornwall Police said the two officers' details would be submitted to the College of Policing Barred List, which would prevent them from working within policing.

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew said: "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Mr Reardon who have our utmost sympathy.

"Through their actions, the officers undermined public trust and confidence in the force and did not fulfil their duties and responsibilities towards Mr Reardon."