PC's aggression contributed to man's death - jury

Sali Byberi died "during a period of restraint and significant hyperthermia", a jury concluded

A police officer's "inappropriate and aggressive" approach when trying to subdue a father-of-three most likely contributed to his death, an inquest jury concluded.

Sali Byberi, 29, became unwell after being Tasered multiple times at his home in Braintree, Essex, in November 2022.

Jurors at Essex coroner's court determined that the officer "inflamed and escalated" the situation, having been called to reports of a domestic disturbance.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) had already decided that the police response was "necessary and proportionate"

The jury also said Mr Byberi's "prolonged" use of cocaine before the incident was a factor in his death.

Essex Police said its officers were faced with a "challenging incident" and said it prioritised the safety of all present.

"We note the jury's findings regarding one officer's engagement with Mr Byberi and will work to fully understand their conclusion and how that is balanced with the independent, expert evidence given during the inquest," a spokesman added.

Father-of-three Sali Byberi (far left) pictured with (l-r) Eli Sokolaj, Elson Byberi and Leonne Byberi

Mr Byberi, who ran a family car-wash business in Sudbury, Suffolk, was born in Tropojë, Albania.

His medical cause of death was recorded as "acute cocaine toxicity" with "acute behavioural disturbance".

The court heard he died "during a period of restraint and significant hyperthermia".

Mr Byberi's family wept in court as the jury delivered its conclusion.

In a statement released afterwards, they said "everyone adored him and his infectious personality".

"While it's been more than two years since Sali died, time has stood still for our family because of the many unanswered questions we've had," they said.

"The inquest and listening to the evidence has been incredibly upsetting, but we take some small comfort from at least having answers."

'Became erratic'

Police were called to Mr Byberi's flat in Clockhouse Way at 11:30 GMT on 21 November 2022, by a social worker who was concerned about hearing raised voices.

Two officers - who were given the pseudonyms G1 and R7 at court - entered the building.

While G1 worked to calm Mr Byberi down, R7 was "inappropriate and aggressive", the jury said.

G1 was then allegedly assaulted by Mr Byberi, causing R7 to discharge their Taser multiple times until he could be restrained.

"Sali's behaviour became erratic, which later led to a decision that he was suffering from acute behavioural disturbance (ABD)," the jury foreman said, delivering its conclusion.

The inquest into Mr Byberi's death was held at Essex coroner's court in Chelmsford

The jury found Mr Byberi's subsequent treatment from both police and paramedics may have led to his stress levels and body temperature rising.

The foreman said the initial medical interaction from the attending paramedics was "inadequate and lacking guidance".

Mr Byberi had a sudden seizure at 12:10 and went into cardiac arrest before he was pronounced dead an hour later.

"The combined effect of R7's inappropriate approach, the officers not identifying ABD earlier and the escalation of the situation, rather than de-escalating, probably contributed to Sali's death," the jury foreman added.

Jurors concluded the use of a Taser by police did not contribute to his death.

'High degree of compassion'

IOPC regional director Charmaine Arbouin said the use of a Taser was "necessary and proportionate", along with the use of restraints.

She said the officers displayed a "high degree of compassion and aftercare" toward Mr Byberi while they waited for paramedics.

"Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Mr Byberi's family and everyone affected by his death," Ms Arbouin added.