Jury discharged in manslaughter trial following the death of Thomas Orchard

Published: 21 Mar 2016
News

The jury in the trial of a Devon and Cornwall police officer and two members of police staff charged with manslaughter for the death of Thomas Orchard has been discharged.

PS Jan Kingshott and detention officers Simon Tansley and Michael Marsden were charged with unlawful act manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter following an IPCC investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of 32-year-old Thomas Orchard in 2012.

After five days of deliberations, the jury at Bristol Crown Court was discharged by Mr Justice King on 21 March 2016 without delivering a verdict.

Associate Commissioner Tom Milsom, said: ““I appreciate the trial has been a difficult experience for everybody involved, in particular Mr Orchard’s family who have listened with dignity and strength to painful details about his tragic and untimely death.

“The IPCC carried out a thorough investigation which led to the Crown Prosecution Service conducting these prosecutions. We await the CPS decision on whether there will be a retrial before any potential disciplinary matters are dealt with.”

The IPCC continues to examine Devon and Cornwall Police’s corporate decision-making around the ERB. Investigators are conducting detailed analysis to fully understand the force’s policies and processes governing its use, which includes tracing and interviewing individuals who may have information that can assist them. In addition, an independent expert with a background in health and safety has been instructed in relation to this matter.

Tags
  • Devon and Cornwall Police
  • Custody and detention
  • Death and serious injury
  • Use of force and armed policing
  • Welfare and vulnerable people