Statement following result of inquest – Milton Keynes

Today (24/4) following a jury inquest a narrative conclusion has been given in relation to the death of Brian Ringrose. 

The inquest concluded unlawful killing unlawful act manslaughter by a former Thames Valley Police officer. 

 This was contributed to by neglect by one officer who was involved in the restraint.   

Two other officers and medical staff who were also present contributed by neglect, as they did not intervene to ensure the welfare of Mr Ringrose.  

On 27 January 2021, Mr Ringrose, who was aged 24 at the time, was medically discharged into the custody of our officers at Milton Keynes hospital.  

Officers then attempted to take Mr Ringrose back to custody but had to restrain him in the middle of a busy accident and emergency department in the view of medical professionals and the public.     

After a prolonged period of restraint, officers took him to a custody vehicle; officers then realised he required immediate medical attention. He was taken back into the hospital and placed in an induced coma. He sadly died on 2 February 2021.  

Assistant Chief Constable Christian Bunt said: “This was a tragic incident and our thoughts remain with Brian Ringrose’s family and friends.   

“We are deeply sorry, and truly saddened, for what happened to Mr Ringrose. 

“It is apparent that Mr Ringrose was still suffering from the effects of drugs toxicity and had been discharged by the hospital to be taken back to custody by officers.  

“It is clear that how our officers dealt with Mr Ringrose was not acceptable and did not follow approved training.  

“Mr Ringrose was subjected to excessive force through restraint by a former officer, which was completely unacceptable. The technique used, was and is not, an approved restraint technique and did not follow the force’s operational guidance or approved practices.  

“Additionally, the care and monitoring of Mr Ringrose during the prolonged restraint was wholly inadequate and again did not follow operational training and guidance.   

“Following a gross misconduct hearing with an independent chair, the officer who restrained Mr Ringrose, was dismissed without notice, another officer involved was given a final written warning for five years.  

“There is nothing that can bring Mr Ringrose back, and we offer our sincerest apologies to his family after he died in these circumstances.    

“Whenever a significant incident happens within the force we will always look to review our policies and training. We have reviewed our current practices alongside the Independent Office for Police Conduct, who have made a number of recommendations, which have been implemented fully.

“We are aware that His Majesty’s Coroner is likely to give further direction to the force and we will of course take any actions required of us”. 

Notes to editors 

• A referral was made to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) following the incident. The IOPC investigated the incident independently and found grounds for gross misconduct. 
• Following a gross misconduct hearing on 27 July 2024, in front of legally qualified independent chair Mr Harry Ireland, two officers were proven to have committed gross misconduct.   
• A now former PC was found to have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour with regards to Use of Force and Duties and Responsibilities, in that he restrained Mr Ringrose with his arms above his shoulder, which was not necessary or proportionate. Additionally, he failed to monitor Mr Ringrose properly throughout the restraint. This amounted to gross misconduct. He was dismissed without notice. 
• A PC was found to have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour with regards to Duties and Responsibilities, in that he failed in his duty of care to Mr Ringrose. This amounted to gross misconduct. He was given a final written warning to last for five years. 
• Three other officers were given reflective practice in relation to this incident.