Police officers face hearings over restraint death of mentally ill man

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Three police officers face hearings for either gross misconduct or gross incompetence over the death of a mentally ill man who died after saying “I can’t breathe” while being arrested. “We also determined that a police sergeant should be subject to gross incompetence proceedings for failing to adequately supervise the situation.” A narrative conclusion from the inquest jury had said Mr Clarke died as a result of acute behavioural disturbance, in a relapse of schizophrenia, leading to exhaustion and cardiac arrest. This process has taken nearly two years and our family is emotionally and physically exhausted with the delays and constant battle with the IOPC Mr Clarke's mother, Wendy Strachan, Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry said: “Throughout this process our thoughts and sympathies have been with Mr Clarke’s family. “We continually review our policies in line with national guidance around restraint as well as how we assist those in mental health crisis and are working with colleagues nationally to consider our training and guidance to officers in dealing with these kinds of fast-paced and challenging incidents.” Mr Clarke’s mother, Wendy Strachan, said they were relieved the IOPC had finally come to a decision, but had hoped more officers would face misconduct proceedings.