Police nurse pleads not guilty over custody death

William Cameron was described as a "kind, loving and protective brother" by his sister

A nurse has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter following the death of a man in police custody in 2020.

Sean Cregg was working for a healthcare provider contracted by Thames Valley Police when 38-year-old William Cameron died after being arrested and taken to Loddon Valley Police Station, near Reading.

Mr Cregg, 35, appeared at the Old Bailey after being charged with gross negligence manslaughter and a separate offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

A trial has been scheduled for 1 October 2026.

Mr Cameron had been arrested and taken into custody on 8 January 2020 and died later that day in hospital.

Mr Cregg is accused of not acting on his observations that his patient could not walk and talk, making him unfit for detention in custody, the court heard.

The nurse also allegedly did not consider Mr Cameron was not pretending to be unresponsive, did not take readings or send him to hospital, or ensure he was put in the recovery position, prosecutors said.

The defendant, from Newbury, who previously worked for Mountain Healthcare, was released on unconditional bail.

Mr Cameron's sister, Patricia Cameron, previously described him as a "kind, loving and protective brother".