A former teacher with mental health issues died after police officers restrained him at a police station in west Wales, an inquest jury has been told.
Meirion James, from the village of Crymych, Pembrokeshire, was sprayed with Pava spray – a type of incapacitant – as he dashed into a corridor at Haverfordwest police station.
James, 53, had been arrested after calling the police himself following an altercation with his mother.
The hearing was told that James was diagnosed with manic depression in the mid-1980s and that his mental state would deteriorate on occasions.
In the autumn of 2014, James’s treatment changed, the inquest heard. The coroner, Paul Bennett, said he came off medication that he had been taking for a number of years and James felt the new treatment was not as effective.
On 30 January 2015, James was involved in a car accident and the police were called. Officers took him to Bronglais hospital in Aberystwyth and he returned home from there.
The jury heard that in the early hours of 31 January, James became aggressive and assaulted his mother. James called the police and was arrested and taken to the police station. Later that morning, he was assessed by a medic who concluded he was fit to be detained.
The inquest heard that when officers went to James’s cell at about 11am to check on him, he burst out of the cell and into the corridor.
Officers tried to restrain him and Pava spray was also used, the jury heard. James became unresponsive, and despite efforts to resuscitate him at the police station and at Withybush hospital in Haverfordwest, he was pronounced dead at 11.30am.
The inquest at Haverfordwest, which is due to last two weeks, will explore a wide range of issues, including:
The management of James by police officers on 30 January and their handover to staff at Bronglais hospital.
The treatment of James at Bronglais hospital.
His management at Haverfordwest police station on 31 January.
The restraint on 31 January 2015 and the emergency response thereafter.
Training of the police officers.
Before the start of the inquest, James’s 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 learned so that what happened to him doesn’t happen to anyone else.”
The inquest continues.
