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Home / Inquest opens into death following restraint by Dyfed-Powys Police

Inquest opens into death following restraint by Dyfed-Powys Police

By agency reporter
January 7, 2019

Meirion James died on 31 January 2015 following restraint by police officers at Haverfordwest Police Station in Pembrokeshire, Wales. He had been detained by Dyfed-Powys Police and taken to Bronglais Hospital the day before his death. He was 53 years old and was a dearly loved son, brother and uncle. He had a history of bipolar disorder.

The inquest will explore a wide range of issues, including:

  • The management of Meirion James' risk by police officers the day on 30 January 2015, and their handover to staff at Bronglais Hospital
  • The treatment of James at Bronglais Hospital on 30 January 2015
  • The management of his risk at Haverfordwest Police Station on 31 January 2015
  • The restraint of James on 31 January 2015 and the emergency response thereafter
  • Training of police officers involved in relevant areas

Meirion James' sister, Diana Vaughan-Thomas, said on behalf of the family: “We have had to wait four years for this inquest.  We hope to learn the truth about Meirion’s death and that, where appropriate, lessons are learnt so that what happened to him doesn’t happen to anyone else”

The inquest opens on 7 January 2018 before HM Assistant Coroner Paul Bennett, at Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire Coroner’s Court, sitting at County Hall, Haverfordwest, and is expected to last for two weeks.

* INQUEST https://www.inquest.org.uk/

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