Officers guilty of misconduct after arrested man died

The two officers found to have committed misconduct were Milton Keynes based

Two Thames Valley Police officers have been found to have committed gross misconduct after restraining a man who later died in hospital.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said Milton Keynes officers Martyn Jones and Daniel Simson breached the standard of duties and responsibilities after they arrested Brian Ringrose in January 2021.

It was also proven Jones breached the police standard of professional behaviour relating to use of force and he was dismissed without notice and barred from future police employment.

Simson has been given a final written warning that will stay on his file for five years.

A disciplinary hearing, which concluded on Friday, heard how Mr Ringrose had been taken to Milton Keynes University Hospital following his arrest.

He had appeared unwell and the two officers had been told he had swallowed a large quantities of tablets.

After being discharged into police care, the 24-year-old was transported by wheelchair to a police car.

He came out of the chair and was restrained by officers on the hospital floor. Jones raised Mr Ringrose's arms behind his back as he lay on the floor with handcuffs.

More officers were called to assist the restraint and Mr Ringrose was transported to a police van where it was noticed he had become unresponsive.

Mr Ringrose was removed from the van and officers administered CPR before he was returned to the hospital where he later died.

Mr Ringrose died after being in an induced coma at Milton Keynes University Hospital

The police disciplinary panel found PC Jones had used excessive force while restraining Mr Ringrose's arms.

Both officers were found to have kept him restrained in a prone position for an excessive period of time and failed to monitor his condition and provide prompt medical assistance.

The IOPC sent a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm but they did not proceed with charges.

This was challenged by Mr Ringrose's family but the CPS did not change its decision.

Mr Ringrose was transported to the police van by officers using a Flexible Lift and Carrying System.

The IOPC recommended the suspension of this system when the investigation started and that suspension is now in place for all forces in England and Wales.

An inquest into Mr Ringrose's death will take place in March 2025.

Thames Valley Police Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs extended his condolences to the family of Mr Ringrose.