The Family seek answers and justice for this tragic death in police custody.... |
Sean’s sudden and untimely death has come as a shock to the family. On 21st Aug ‘08 he was arrested and restrained by Brixton police - he died very shortly after...Why? INQUEST JURY VERDICT HERE
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25 Sept 2014 – For immediate release
HIGH COURT UPHOLDS MPS DECISION TO BLOCK THE RESIGNATION OF OFFICER INVOLVED IN THE RESTRAINT OF SEAN RIGG PENDING THE OUTCOME OF A SECOND IPCC INVESTIGATION INTO SEAN’S DEATH
25 September 2014
Sean Rigg died in Brixton police station in August 2008 after prolonged restraint by police.Following the Metropolitan Police Service’s (MPS) decision in May 2014 to suspend PC Andrew Birks and withdraw their initial acceptance of his resignation, PC Birks brought a judicial review claim against the MPS arguing that their decision to maintain his suspension and to continue to block his resignation was unlawful.
Today Mrs Justice Lang upheld the decision of the MPS to suspend PC Birks and refuse his resignation, holding that due to “the gravity of the allegations” against PC Birks “the public interest requires that he should remain in the force to answer any charges of misconduct which may be brought against him and the other officers involved.” The judgment highlights the need for misconduct investigations following deaths in custody to be fully effective, in accordance with the state’s obligations under Article 2 of the ECHR.
In August 2012, the jury at the inquest into Sean Rigg’s death returned a damning verdict criticising the actions of the police and the unsuitable use of restraint. Since then, an independent review heavily criticised the original Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigation and the IPCC subsequently decided to re-open the disciplinary and criminal investigations into Sean’s death.
On 13 May 2014, the High Court quashed the IPCC’s original investigation with the consent of all parties on the basis that the original investigation was flawed and inadequate. This enabled the IPCC to revive its disciplinary investigation into PC Birks and the other officers, and raised the prospect of disciplinary action against all four officers along with the custody officer Sergeant Paul White.
However, the resignation of PC Birks was tendered and accepted before the IPCC were able to serve him with a notice under the misconduct regulations. The Rigg family’s solicitors wrote to the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis to argue that the Commissioner acted unlawfully in accepting the resignation of PC Birks and asked the Commissioner to immediately withdraw his acceptance so that justice could take its proper course.
Subsequently, at the end of May 2014, the MPS decided to suspend PC Birks and rescind acceptance of his resignation. The MPS considered the position further on 14 August 2014 but determined that PC Birks should remain suspended from duty pending the outcome of the IPCC investigation, at which time it would be re-considered further.
On 22 August 2014, PC Birks brought a judicial review against the MPS, arguing that the 14 August decision was unlawful. Mrs Justice Lang has now dismissed PC Birks’ judicial review, emphasising “the importance of identifying wrongdoers and making findings against them, where there are deaths in custody as a result of police misconduct, falling short of criminal conduct”.
Mrs Justice Lang refused the application of PC Birks for permission to appeal.
Prior to the judgment handed down today there have been many instances where police have avoided disciplinary proceedings by resigning or retiring. In the four year period up to the end of March 2013, 38 police officers across the country retired or resigned during the course of independent IPCC disciplinary investigations. In a speech to the Police in May this year, the Home Secretary Theresa May restated the government’s intention to end this practice. Although she announced that intention as far back as February 2013, the situation remains unchanged. As Mrs Justice Lang noted in her judgment, “Despite the legitimate concern of disciplinary proceedings against police being fully pursued there is no legal bar on an officer resigning while facing disciplinary proceedings”.
Marcia Rigg-Samuel, Sean Rigg’s older sister said:
"Thankfully, the Judge has agreed with Bernard Hogan-Howe’s decision not to allow PC Andrew Birks to resign in order to become a curate in the Church of England, pending the outcome of the IPCC’s disciplinary investigation.
For decades families have been frustrated that officers have been allowed to use this escape hatch and avoid disciplinary action for alleged wrong-doing.
I and my family hope that this will now set a precedent for other families who face the same dilemma as my family have following a death in custody, and avoid upset and anguish when an officer leaves the police service before an investigation into his or her conduct is complete.
After six long unnecessary years, a little bit of justice goes far - but why should a family have to fight so hard for it? It was sheer luck that we found out about PC Birk's resignation before it took effect, yet we now learn that the MPS knew about it all along.
I insist that the IPCC vigorously and speedily move on with the investigation for all concerned and this Government immediately seek cross party support for a change to the law making it mandatory for officers to remain in post where misconduct investigations are ongoing. Coupled with that, these IPCC investigations need to be properly funded so they can be competent and fast."
Deborah Coles, co-director of INQUEST said:
“It is unacceptable that police officers are able to evade accountability for wrongdoing and frustrate the justice process in this way. This is not an isolated case but part of a systemic problem that allows the police to remain above the law.
“The government stated early last year that they intended to end this practice. However, still nothing has been done. This gaping flaw in the police complaints system must be urgently addressed.
“INQUEST welcomes the Judge’s ruling in this case, as it ensures that a proper Article 2 compliant investigation can now be concluded into the serious allegations against PC Birks.
“The practice of police officers resigning to avoid potential disciplinary proceedings causes additional upset for the families of those who have died in police custody and further erodes public confidence in the police service.”
INQUEST has been working with the family of Sean Rigg since August 2008. The family is represented by INQUEST Lawyers Group members Daniel Machover from Hickman and Rose Solicitors and barristers Leslie Thomas of Garden Court Chambers and Jude Bunting of Doughty Street Chambers.
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29 May 2014 – For immediate release
FAMILY OF SEAN RIGG CALL ON THE METROPOLITAN POLICE COMMISSIONER TO WITHDRAW HIS ACCEPTANCE OF THE RESIGNATION OF OFFICER INVOLVED IN RESTRAINT OF SEAN RIGG
The family of Sean Rigg, who died in Brixton police station in August 2008 following prolonged restraint by police, have called on the Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan Howe to urgently withdraw his acceptance of the resignation of PC Andrew Birks, the senior arresting officer involved in the restraint.
In August 2012, the jury at the inquest into Sean Rigg’s death returned a damning verdict criticising the actions of the police and the unsuitable use of restraint. Since then, an independent review heavily criticised the original IPCC investigation and the IPCC made the decision to re-open the disciplinary and criminal investigations into Sean’s death.
In April 2014, PC Birks together with the other officers involved signed a consent order agreeing to an IPCC disciplinary re-investigation.
On 13 May 2014, the High Court sealed the consent order enabling the IPCC to start its disciplinary re-investigation into PC Birks and the other officers, raising the prospect of disciplinary action against all four officers and the custody officer, Sergeant Paul White.
However the resignation of PC Birks was tendered and accepted before the IPCC were able to serve him with notices under the misconduct regulations. In a letter served on the Commissioner yesterday lunchtime, the Rigg family have argued that the Commissioner acted unlawfully in accepting the resignation of PC Birks and asked the Commissioner to immediately withdraw his acceptance so that justice can take its proper course. The Rigg family also call on the IPCC as the statutory guardian of the police complaints system to take a robust stance and make its own call on the Commissioner to reverse his decision to accept this untimely resignation.
This is not an isolated case and there have been many instances where police have avoided disciplinary proceedings by resigning or retiring. In a speech to the Police Federation last week, Home Secretary Theresa May restated the government’s intention to end this practice. Although she first announced that intention as far back as February 2013 the situation remains unchanged.
Marcia Rigg, Sean Rigg’s sister said:
“The family of Sean Rigg is livid to say the least to learn that PC Andrew Birks, one of the arresting officers who was involved in the death of our beloved brother, Sean, has recently had his resignation accepted by the Police Commissioner, Bernard Hogan-Howe, to take effect on 1 June 2014 unless reversed.
“There is no doubt in our minds that this decision by PC Birks was taken to avoid the risk of him being held accountable for his conduct towards Sean on 21 August 2008 and acquiring a disciplinary record, possibly for gross misconduct.
“It was wrong for the Commissioner, Sir Bernard Hogan Howe, to accept his resignation. He was wholly aware of the position PC Birks was in.
“We are also extremely alarmed that the IPCC has not seen fit before now to even consider advising the MPS to suspend ALL the officers involved or for the MPS to do this of its own accord.
“The delays in this case, the failure to suspend officers and this resignation of PC Birks, if it does take effect on 1 June 2014, are outrageous and destroy public confidence in the police complaints system.
“It is almost 6 years since Sean's death, and almost 2 years since the inquest and the jury's damning verdict. Our family should not be denied justice and accountability any longer.”
Deborah Coles, co-director of INQUEST said:
“It is unacceptable that police officers are able to evade accountability for wrongdoing and frustrate the justice process in this way. This is not an isolated case but part of a systemic problem that allows the police to remain above the law.
“The government stated only last week that they intended to end this practice. However they first said this early last year and still nothing has been done. This gaping flaw in the police complaints system must be urgently addressed.”
Neville Lawrence, father of Stephen Lawrence, said:
“Only one officer involved in the investigation of Stephen’s murder faced disciplinary action – the other officers had all retired before they could be held to account. You fight and fight and with so much publicity and all the time that has passed you’d hope that by now something would have been done to prevent this from happening. It’s outrageous. Police officers must face up to the wrongs they have done.”
INQUEST has been working with the family of Sean Rigg since his death in August 2008. The family is represented by INQUEST Lawyers Group members Leslie Thomas and Thomas Stoate of Garden Court Chambers and Jude Bunting of Doughty Street Chambers and Daniel Machover and Helen Stone of Hickman and Rose Solicitors.
Ends
Notes to editors:
1. A letter before claim was sent to the solicitors for Sir Bernard Hogan Howe on 28 May. Details of the letter include:
§ That the Commissioner’s decision is contrary to Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights;
§ By accepting the resignation, the Commissioner has prematurely concluded any misconduct action that can be brought against PC Birks;
§ The Commissioner’s actions risk being seen as collusion in or tolerance of a possible unlawful act by a police officer;
§ The Commissioner has failed to give adequate consideration to the impact on public confidence of permitting a police officer to avoid disciplinary action through early resignation;
§ The importance of a disciplinary investigation in vindicating the Article 2 rights of Sean Rigg’s family.
The Commissioner has not yet provided Sean Rigg’s family with any reasons for the decision to accept PC Birks’ resignation.
The Commissioner has been asked to withdraw his acceptance of the resignation of PC Birks and suspend him from duty pending final decisions determining the outcome of a disciplinary investigation and, if appropriate, disciplinary proceedings.
Marcia Rigg-Samuel hopes that the Commissioner reverses his decision, but if not she will consider bringing court action at the end of this week.
2. Background to Sean Rigg’s death, inquest and subsequent proceedings can be found on the INQUEST website www.inquest.org.uk.
3. For further information please contact Hannah Ward, INQUEST Communications Manager on 020 7263 1111 / 07972 492 230 or Daniel Machover on 020 7702 5334.
INQUEST provides specialist advice and a complex casework service to people bereaved by a death in custody/state detention or involving state agents and works on other cases that also engage article 2 of the ECHR and/or raise wider issues of state and corporate accountability. INQUEST's policy and parliamentary work is informed by its casework and we work to ensure that the collective experiences of bereaved people underpin that work. Its overall aim is to secure an investigative process that treats bereaved families with dignity and respect; ensures accountability and disseminates the lessons learned from the investigation process in order to prevent further deaths.
Please refer to INQUEST the organisation in all capital letters in order to distinguish it from the legal hearing.
Join INQUEST on Facebook Follow INQUEST on Twitter
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INQUEST
89-93 Fonthill Road, London N4 3JH
Registered Charity No 1046650 | Registered Company No 03054853
- Awarded the Longford Prize 2009 and Liberty and JUSTICE Human Rights Award 2007
- Visit our website at www.inquest.org.uk
- Raise money for INQUEST as you search the web with Everyclick.com - www.everyclick.com/inquest
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RIGG FAMILY PRESS RELEASE – Friday 17 May 2013
This Press Statement is in response to the IPCC’s announcement today to re-open the investigation into the death of Sean Rigg.
Marcia Rigg, on behalf of the Rigg family said:
“The Rigg family welcomes the long awaited decision by the IPCC to reopen the investigation into Sean's death as a criminal one. We will accept nothing less than for this new investigation to be robust, transparent and properly effective.
It is over five years since Sean died and we therefore expect the IPCC to devote the necessary resource to ensure an early outcome to their new investigation.
The family understands that the police do not oppose the IPCC reinvestigation, but the police have also told the IPCC that it can only lawfully reinvestigate the officers in question and make fresh recommendations on disciplinary action after a High Court decision to formally set aside the outcome of the 2008-2009 investigation. If this is right, there is something wrong with the Police Reform Act 2002 and we will be asking for cross-party agreement to urgently change the law with immediate effect to enable the IPCC to lawfully hold reinvestigations of this kind, especially after inquests. What the family cannot tolerate is for a legal side issue to hold up this reinvestigation or threaten its outcome. Therefore, we may be forced into bringing the matter before the High Court ourselves.
No family should ever have to go through the burden of losing a loved one in police custody and then find that the legal system fails them time and time again. No family should have to tolerate delay upon delay in the independent investigation of a death at the hands of state agents. We and our legal team have always insisted that the IPCC should have conducted a full and thorough criminal investigation into Sean's death right from the very outset. This time the IPCC must get it right.
We hope that the compelling evidence will lead to criminal charges against the officers involved in Sean's arrest, restraint and detention and ultimately his death. No officer has ever been successfully prosecuted for a death in custody in this country since 1969. Implausible and improbable accounts by officers should be taken very seriously by the IPCC in any death in custody investigation. We trust that the IPCC will now finally vindicate the family's concerns."
End
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Friday 17 May 2013
INQUEST AND SEAN RIGG’S FAMILY RESPOND TO FINDINGS OF INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF IPCC INVESTIGATION INTO DEATH OF SEAN RIGG
The Independent Police Complaints Commission has published its independent review of its investigation into the death of Sean Rigg. The review was commissioned following the inquest into the death of Sean Rigg at which the jury made damning findings about the conduct of the police and which revealed serious disparities between the evidence and findings of the inquest jury and the IPCC’s own investigation findings. This is the first time an IPCC investigation has been critically analysed by an external review.
The independent review, conducted by Dr Silvia Casale with the support of James Lewis QC and Martin Corfe, was carried out between November 2012 and April 2013.
The family, their lawyers and INQUEST met regularly with the review team and INQUEST also made a written submission.
Marcia Rigg, sister of Sean Rigg said:
“Almost five years after our brother’s unnecessary death this report shows just how badly we were failed by the IPCC, not to mention the police. It is frightening to think that in the intervening years as we struggled for justice more families will have been failed in the same way.
“The fact that the IPCC has accepted all the report’s recommendations is incredibly encouraging for us. We recognise the importance of a body like the IPCC to hold the police to account. But that is exactly what it must do. We hope that a complete re-investigation of the issues identified by the review, with new consideration of police misconduct and criminal proceedings, will take place as quickly as possible.
“And the police and the police federation need to sit up and take notice of this report and get their own houses in order rather than obstructing the IPCC in its statutory role.”
Deborah Coles, co-director INQUEST said:
“INQUEST welcomes this report which offers a blueprint as to how contentious police deaths should be handled by the IPCC.
“The litany of failings identified by the report not only vindicate Sean Rigg's family's concerns over the IPCC investigation and police conduct but also point to the need for significant practice change for the IPCC, police and Police Federation. The test will be in the prompt and robust implementation of its recommendations.
“Both the interests of bereaved people and public will be better served by an IPCC that can hold the police to account for criminality or misconduct and help develop good practice and safeguard lives in the future.
“We welcome the important recognition the review gives to the need for the consideration of mental health and race in the conduct of IPCC investigations.”
INQUEST has been working with the family of Sean Rigg since his death in August 2008. The Rigg family is represented by INQUEST Lawyers Group members Daniel Machover and Helen Stone of Hickman and Rose Solicitors, and Leslie Thomas and Thomas Stoate of Garden Court chambers.
Ends
Notes to editors:
1. INQUEST’s submission to the Casale Review is available HERE
2. The full report and press release is available from the IPCC press office or - HERE
3. A background briefing on the report is available from INQUEST on request
4. More information on the Sean Rigg inquest and jury verdict HERE
For further information and interviews please contact Hannah Ward on 020 7263 1111 / 07972 492 230 OR hannahward@inquest.org.uk
INQUEST provides a general telephone advice, support and information service to any bereaved person facing an inquest and a free, in-depth complex casework service on deaths in custody/state detention or involving state agents and works on other cases that also engage article 2 of the ECHR and/or raise wider issues of state and corporate accountability. INQUEST's policy and parliamentary work is informed by its casework and we work to ensure that the collective experiences of bereaved people underpin that work. Its overall aim is to secure an investigative process that treats bereaved families with dignity and respect; ensures accountability and disseminates the lessons learned from the investigation process in order to prevent further deaths occurring.
Please refer to INQUEST the organisation in all capital letters in order to distinguish it from the legal hearing.
Join INQUEST on FACEBOOK Follow INQUEST on TWITTER
--
INQUEST
89-93 Fonthill Road, London N4 3JH
Registered Charity No 1046650 | Registered Company No 03054853
- Awarded the Longford Prize 2009 and Liberty and JUSTICE Human Rights Award 2007
- Visit our website at www.inquest.org.uk
- Raise money for INQUEST as you search the web with Everyclick.com - www.everyclick.com/inquest
Note: please let us know if you do not wish to receive INQUEST press releases.
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PRESS RELEASE 22nd October 2012 - No Embargo
DEATH IN CUSTODY FAMILIES TAKE DEMANDS TO PARLIAMENT
SCREENING & PRESS CONFERENCE
11.00am Friday 26th October 2012
Room W1, Off Westminster Hall, House of Commons, SW1A 0AA
The United Families & Friends Campaign (UFFC) is a coalition of families and friends of those that have died in the custody of police and prison officers as well as those who died in psychiatric and immigration detention. We would like to invite you to a film screening & press conference in advance of our national demonstration that will take place the following day, details are below.
The screening of excerpts from the hard-hitting film 'Who Policies The Police?' (52minutes/2012), which critically assesses the performance of the Independent Police Complaints Commission into investigating custodial deaths, will be followed by statements and a Q&A session by the families of a number of death in custody cases including Sean Rigg, Mark Duggan, Mikey Powell, Olaseni Lewis, David Emmanuel (aka Smiley Culture) and Roger Sylvester.
The event will be an opportunity to find out the current position of families in relation to the existing investigative and judicial framework around custodial deaths. It is of crucial importance that those who have been directly impacted by custodial deaths have the opportunity to express their views in the political arena and we hope that you will join us in this event.
Notes to editors:
UFFC is run directly by families of those that have died in state custody. Since 1999 we have organised the Annual Remembrance Procession, this will be the 14th year. We march from Trafalgar Square to Downing Street where we present our demands to the Prime Minster. This will take place on Saturday 27th October at 12.30.
Our Demands:
Replacement of the IPCC to ensure open robust transparent and thorough investigations from the very outset of police deaths in custody – with a removal of all ex-police officers for it to be a truly independent body.
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman should be placed on a statutory footing.
Deaths in psychiatric detention and / or of those detained under the Mental Health Act, must be subject to a system of properly funded investigation that is completely independent of the Health Service.
Officers and officials directly involved in custody deaths are suspended until investigations are completed.
Immediate interviewing of officers and all officials concerned with the death.
Officers and officials should never be allowed to collude over their evidence and statements of fact.
Full and prompt disclosure of information to the families affected.
Prosecutions should automatically follow ‘unlawful killing’ verdicts at Inquests and officers responsible for those deaths should face criminal charges, even if retired.
National implementation of police body cameras and cameras in all police vehicles in the interests of both the officers and the public.
There should be an automatic right to non-means tested legal aid for families. There is a lack of funds for family legal representation at Inquests whilst officers and NHS staff get full legal representation from the public purse – this is unbalanced.
Email: contactuffc@gmail.com
Telephone: 07770 432 439
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Wednesday 16 August 2012
Sean Rigg Public Memorial Event. Date: Tuesday 21st August 2012
Lambeth Town Hall - Doors open 6.30pm - Meeting starts 7.00 – 900pm
This event will include a screening of the film ‘Who Polices The Police?’ by Migrant Media
Venue: Assembly Room, Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton Hill, London SW2 1RW
Nearest station: Brixton tube station on the Victoria line Location map for Lambeth Town Hall
Sean Rigg Lambeth Town Hall, public memorial event spotlights mental health and policing
Date: Thursday 16 August 2012
A public memorial meeting to mark the fourth anniversary of the death of mental health service user, Sean Rigg, who lost his life in police custody in 2008, will be held at Lambeth Town Hall on Tuesday 21st August 2012 at 6.30pm.
Organised by the Sean Rigg Justice and Change Campaign in association with Black Mental Health UK, this meeting marks the first public event where the Rigg family will be able to inform the community, who have supported them throughout their campaign, about the changes they would like to see in the wake of the high profile inquest verdict into their brother’s death.
The verdict highlighted a catalogue of failures by both statutory mental health services and the police in their dealings with the musician and songwriter.
The Rigg family are aware of similar tragedies that have occurred involving the police and mental health services since their brother’s death, and say that this is evidence that lessons from these fatalities have not been learnt. They want to see wholesale reform in the way the police and mental health services treat mental health service users in order to ensure that such painful tragedies do not occur again.
With detention rates under the Mental Health Act 44% higher among people from the UK’s African Caribbean communities than their white counterparts, the family have teamed up with campaign group Black Mental Health UK in organising this event, which will also serve as a forum to raise awareness and address the stigma associated with this health condition.
Marcia Rigg-Samuel sister of Sean Rigg said: “This public memorial is not only to remember and celebrate Sean’s life, but is also aimed to bring this very serious issue to the forefront of the community’s minds, as it affects us all. The compelling evidence against Sean’s mental health care team SLAM and Brixton police emphasises the urgency for improvement and change on a national level regarding deaths in police custody and mental health. We urge parliament to now take the opportunity to address these shameful and unnecessary deaths. Deaths like these should never happen.”
Matilda MacAttram, director of Black Mental Health UK said: ‘Sean Rigg’s experience in many ways typifies the experience of people from the UK’s African Caribbean communities who use mental health services as they are 50% more likely to be referred to these services via the Police. We hope it that this memorial will keep the spotlight on this area of healthcare, which is in urgent need of wholesale reform.
Deborah Coles, co-director of INQUEST said: ‘This event is an important opportunity to honour all that his family has achieved in their fight for truth and justice. Thanks to their extraordinary resilience and persistence we now know the truth about what happened to Sean. The family require justice and those responsible for Sean's death must be held to account. We, along with all of those supporting the family, will continue in that fight, and to press for change to stop deaths like this from happening again,’
Ken Fero Film Director Migrant Media said: ‘It is right and fitting that the first public screening of the new film ‘Who Polices The Police? is screened in Brixton on the anniversary of Sean's death at the hands of the police. We support the family in their continuing battle for justice.’
Event: Sean Rigg Lambeth Town Hall Public Memorial Event
Date: Tuesday 21st August 2012
Time: Doors open 6.30pm
Meeting starts 7.00 – 900pm
This event will include a screening of the film ‘Who Polices The Police?’ by Migrant Media
Venue: Assembly Room, Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton Hill, London SW2 1RW
Nearest station: Brixton tube station on the Victoria line Location map for Lambeth Town Hall
End
For interviews call BMH UK News desk on: M: 07947 189 682
Notes to the editor
- The Sean Rigg Justice and Change Campaign was set up by the Rigg family to uncover the truth about how he died and bring about wholesale reform in the treatment of mental health service users by the police and other agencies.
- Black Mental Health UK is a human rights campaigns group established to address the over representation of African Caribbeans within secure psychiatric care and raise awareness to address the stigma associated with mental health.
- Detention rates for people from the UK’s African Caribbean community has doubled over the past five years during the period 2005 – 2010 while declining for the rest of the population.
- Almost half the deaths of people in police custody are of mental health service users
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Wednesday 15 August 2012
IPCC commissions independent review of its investigation into the death of Sean Rigg
In a highly unusual move, the Independent Police Complaints Commission announced today that it has commissioned an independent external review of its investigation into the death of Sean Rigg, at the same time as it publishes its report of that investigation.
The family and INQUEST welcome the decision to hold this review. The IPCC report reflects a deeply flawed investigation. The flimsy findings of the IPCC report are in stark contrast to the highly critical and far reaching findings of the inquest jury which delivered a damning narrative verdict on 1 August 2012.
Central flaws in the IPCC investigation included the failure to secure comprehensive first accounts from any of the relevant officers for over six months, despite the IPCC being in attendance at Brixton police station just hours after Sean Rigg’s death, and the failure to test officer accounts against photographic and CCTV evidence.
Sean Rigg’s family said:
“The family of Sean Rigg are delighted that after listening to and analysing the evidence at Sean's inquest, a jury of 11 ordinary people found his mental health care team, SLAM, and the officers' actions ‘more than minimally contributed to his death’. The officers’ actions in particular were severely criticised by the jury.
“There has never been any doubt in our minds that the IPCC’s inadequate report of February 2010 reflected an extremely poor and ineffective investigation into Sean’s death. For the IPCC to conclude in their findings that ‘the officers adhered to policy and good practice by monitoring Mr Rigg in the back of the van’ is absolutely absurd, flies in the face of the evidence and clearly contradicts the jury's narrative verdict.
“The family therefore welcome an external review of the IPCC’s original investigation by someone that is truly independent. However, we absolutely insist that the review is a root and branch examination of the IPCC’s investigation and that it is transparent, robust and effective, so that officers are made accountable for Sean’s death.”
Helen Shaw, co-director of INQUEST said:
“The contrast between the highly critical inquest jury verdict and the two insubstantial findings of the IPCC report could not be clearer. It should not have taken an inquest to discover some basic facts, such as the restraint of Sean Rigg in the prone position lasting several minutes, rather than seconds according to officer accounts which were accepted by the IPCC.
“It is a clear indication of the wider systemic problems with the poor quality of too many IPCC investigations into deaths in custody. It is vitally important that both the external review of this investigation and the long awaited review of their whole approach to such investigations marks a sea change. Families should not have to rely on their own efforts to make sure the full facts about such deaths are established and those responsible for deaths are held to account.”
Ends
Notes to editor:
1. The full jury verdict is available here: http://www.inquest.org.uk/news/sean-rigg-inquest-jury-verdict
2. The IPCC report is available on their website.
3. The family of Sean Rigg were represented by INQUEST Lawyers Group members Leslie Thomas and Thomas Stoate of Garden Court Chambers and Daniel Machover and Helen Stone of Hickman and Rose Solicitors.
4. For further information please contact:
Hannah Ward, Communications Manager at INQUEST on 020 7263 1111
Daniel Machover, Hickman and Rose on 07773 341096.
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INQUEST INTO DEATH OF SEAN RIGG
JURY VERDICT 1 AUGUST 2012
2.30pm Southwark Coroners Court
Read by Dr Andrew Harris
SEAN RIGG INQUEST: JURY VERDICT
Sean Rigg Inquest Verdict
01/08/12
Southwark Coroners Court
The following matters were found
1. Name of Deceased
Sean Nicholas RIGG
2. Injury or disease causing death
Cardiac arrest
Acute arrhythmia
Ischemia
Partial positional asphyxia
3. Time, place and circumstances at or in which injury was sustained
4. Conclusion of the Jury as to the death
Narrative verdict
5. Particulars for the time being required by the Registration Acts to be registered concerning the death
(a) Date and place of birth
11th February 1968 Birmingham
(b) Name and surname of deceased
Sean Nicholas RIGG
(c) Sex
Male
(d) Maiden surname of woman who has married
—
(e) Date and place of death
Twenty-First August 2008
Brixton Police Station [written in - Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, Camberwell, London was crossed out]
(f) Occupation and usual address
— Musician [written in]
2b Fairmont Road, Brixton, London
On the 21st August 2008 20:24, Sean Nicholas Rigg died at Brixton Police station as a result of a cardiac arrest.
Sean Rigg last took his depo on the 20th June 2008, the dose administered was 50mg Haloperidol which was half the recommended dose for his condition.
On the 11th August 2008 Sean Rigg displayed clear relapse indicators. Slams Response to these indicators was inadequate. Slam had failed to put in place a clear and adequate risk assessment and crises management plan. Slam failed to communicate and involve Sean Riggs family. The clinical team responsible for Sean’s care failed to communicate effectively amongst members of their own team and with the Fairmount staff.
The good treatment and care of Sean Rigg provided by the Fairmount staff was compromised by their failure to put in place an adequate crises plan. They were not as proactive as they could have been in effective communications with the family of the clinical team.
Communication and Crises planning between the key stakeholders, Penrose, Slam and the Police were inadequate.
Slam had failed to ensure had failed to ensure that their patient Sean Rigg took his medication. Furthermore slams failure to undertake a Mental Health Act (MHA) assessment at or from 11th August more than minimally contributed to Sean Rigg’s death.
Responses by the CAD operators to calls from staff members at 2B Fairmount Road Hostel on 21st August 2008 were an unacceptable failure to act appropriately. The lack of timely police responses to calls from Fairmount road Hostel were also unacceptable and inappropriate.
There was a lack of sufficient and effective communication between the police officers at the scene of the arrest. Those Police officers did not communicate sufficiently with the CCC, IBO or the staff at Brixton Police station. The CCC, IBO and staff at Brixton Police station did not sufficiently communicate with the dispatched police officers. The IBO failed to gather crucial information that was readily accessible. This led to missed opportunities to take earlier action. The Police who were aware of relevant information regarding Sean Rigg failed to relay and verify this.
The level of force used on Sean Rigg whilst he was restrained in the prone position at the Weir estate was unsuitable. In addition there was an absence of leadership. This led to a failure to take appropriate control of the situation.
It is questionable whether the relevant police guidelines or training regarding restraint and positional asphyxia were sufficient or were followed correctly.
The restraint of Sean Rigg lasted approximately eight minutes whilst the hand cuffing took approximately thirty seconds. Sean Rigg was in the prone position throughout the entire restraint. The agreed view of the Jury is that Sean Rigg was struggling but not violently. The length of restraint in the prone position was therefore unnecessary. It is the majority view of the Jury that this more than minimally contributed to Sean’s death. The majority view of the Jury is that at some point of the restraint unnecessary body weight was placed on Sean Rigg.
Up to the point of being apprehended by the Police, the condition and behaviour of Sean Rigg was that he was physically well but mentally unwell. The majority view of the Jury is Both Sean’s physical and mental health deteriorated during the period of restraint. The majority view of the Jury is that during the walk to the van Sean Rigg was physically unwell due to oxygen deprivation which occurred during his restraint in the prone position. Sean Rigg was in a V shape position in the foot well of the cage in the Police van. The majority view of the Jury is that he was in this position during the whole time that he was in the cage of the police van (19:50 – 20:03). Sean Rigg’s physical health continued to decline during the journey in the cage of the police van, back to the Police station. Sean Rigg’s mental health was already and continued to be very poor. As Sean Rigg was brought into the cage at Brixton Police station he was extremely unwell and was not fully conscious. Sean was fully unconscious by 20:11.
It was reasonable to expect the police to recognise that there was cause for concern regarding Sean’s mental and physical health. It was reasonable to expect the police to have undertaken an assessment of both Sean’s physical and mental condition; from the point of arrest. No assessment was done of Sean Riggs condition at any time before he became unconscious. There was an absence of actions by the Police and this was inadequate.
The police failed to identify that Sean Rigg was a vulnerable person at the point of arrest and he was therefore taken back to the police station instead of an Accident and Emergency department or Section 136 Suite, despite information about him being readily available and accessible. The Police failed to follow the Mental Health Project Team Standard Operating Procedure.
From 19:53 – 20:03 while Sean was inside the cage of the van, there was a lack of care by the police. Whilst in the cage of the Police station from 20:03 – 20:13 there was an absence of appropriate care and urgency of response by the Police which more than minimally contributed to Sean Rigg’s death. Both the action and decision of the police to stand Sean Rigg up unacceptable and inappropriate. Leaving Sean Rigg in handcuffs was unnecessary and inappropriate.
The views expressed by the police officers that Sean was violent and possibly not unwell, deprived Sean of the appropriate care needed and there was a failing to secure an ambulance as quickly as possible.
Whilst Sean Rigg was in custody the Police failed to uphold his basic rights and omitted to deliver the appropriate care.
Despite the efforts of the police to resuscitate Sean Rigg using CPR, and later the efforts of the London Ambulance Service and Kings College Hospital, Sean Rigg had already died at 20:24 at Brixton Police Station.
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SEAN RIGG INQUEST VERDICT: FAMILY STATEMENT
“Sean was a wonderful, talented and caring brother and son. For years he had lived with schizophrenia. He was under the care of the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, and known by Brixton police to have mental health issues.
“We have sat through a long and painful seven weeks reliving the final days and hours of Sean’s precious life. This pain has been compounded by officers at best misleading the jury and at worst lying under oath. The evidence we have heard has left us in no doubt that Sean died as a result of the wilful neglect of those who were meant to care for him and keep him safe. If the South London and Maudsley Trust had done their job properly and provided the care and help that Sean urgently needed, he would be alive today. If the police had not ignored repeated 999 calls from the hostel, and taken Sean to the hospital as they should have done, he would be alive today.
“It was perfectly apparent to ordinary members of the public that Sean was having some kind of mental crisis on the 21st August 2008, when the police were called for help. When the police did eventually arrive they restrained him, arrested him for theft of his own passport, put him in the back of a police van, drove him with sirens, not to the hospital for urgent medical care, but to Brixton police station, left him in a perspex cage in the van and finally brought him to the caged area at the back of the station where he died on a concrete floor, surrounded by police officers.
“Sean was a fit and healthy man who died less than an hour after being picked up by the police. Nothing will bring him back but we want to know that justice will be done. We want to know that those responsible will be held to account for Sean’s death.
“We feel utterly let down by the Independent Police Complaints Commission investigation into Sean’s death which was inadequate and obstructive from the start. Until it is fundamentally reformed, the IPCC will remain incapable of exposing the truth when people die in police hands.
“We call for the Crown Prosecution Service to look at the damning evidence that has come to light in this case and demand a prosecution of those responsible for Sean’s death.
“We call for an urgent public inquiry to establish why the system in this country consistently fails to deliver justice to the many families whose loved ones have died in police custody. We want to know why, last year, over half the people who died following contact with the police had mental health issues and why, like Sean, over half died in circumstances involving restraint. We want to know why there was also such a sharp rise in the number of black men who died following police contact. We want to know why our system allows officers to continue in their jobs when someone has died in their care and why not one successful prosecution has taken place in this country since 1986.
“Until we have justice there will be no peace for us or the many other families we stand with.
“We would like to thank all of those who have helped and supported us in our long and hard fight for the truth.
“We will continue to fight for justice for Sean.”
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PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release: Friday 1 June 2012
INQUEST INTO DEATH OF SEAN RIGG BEGINS MONDAY 11 JUNE 2012
10am Monday 11 June 2012
Before Coroner Andrew Harris
Southwark Coroners Court, 1 Tennis Street, London SE1 1YD.
The inquest into the death of Sean Rigg, a 40 year old black man who died on 21 August 2008 following contact with Brixton police, will begin on Monday 11 June at Southwark Coroner’s Court.
Sean Rigg was a talented musician and one of five siblings. He had suffered from severe mental illness from the age of 20 and had a formal diagnosis of schizophrenia. He was living in a high support community mental health hostel. His family were intensely involved with his life and his mental health care.
Sean had a history of stopping his medication and falling into relapse. On several occasions he had been detained by the police under section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983 and taken to a ‘place of safety’. Prior to his arrest on the 21st August he had stopped taking his medication and his behaviour was giving cause for concern. On the evening of 21st hostel staff called 999 on several occasions asking for police to attend the hostel. The police did not attend. Sean then left the hostel and was later arrested after a member of the public called the police. He was restrained by the police, taken to Brixton police station and died soon after.
The ensuing IPCC investigation has been the subject of serious criticism, as has the police handling of the case and their treatment of the family.
The family hopes the inquest will address the following questions and issues:
- How and why did Sean, who appeared to be physically healthy, come to suddenly die in this way?
- Why did the mental health service fail to carry out an emergency intervention when it became clear that Sean had ceased taking his medication and was going into crisis?
- Was key mental health information passed to relevant police officers?
- Why, when it became clear Sean was experiencing a mental health crisis, was he restrained and transported in the back of a police van to Brixton police station and not taken to a hospital for emergency medical care
- The adequacy of the medical care given to Sean at Brixton police station by the police, including by the police doctor
- Whether effective communication and response protocols were in place between the agencies (Metropolitan Police Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and Penrose Housing) to address Sean’s emerging crisis.
Sean’s family said:
“We have been battling for nearly four years to find out the truth of what happened to our brother that night. Sean was doing great things in his life and it was devastating his life was cut short in this way. Sean should have been safe in the care of the police and the mental health services. We believe his death was wholly avoidable and welcome the chance for the evidence to be finally aired publicly and properly scrutinised.”
Deborah Coles, co-director of INQUEST said:
“INQUEST has significant concerns about how vulnerable people with mental health issues are treated by the police. This is a deeply disturbing death and it is vital both for the family and the public that there is a rigorous, far-reaching investigation into the treatment of a vulnerable black man in need of care and protection.
“Sean Rigg’s family have endured a painfully long wait for this inquest, and an unacceptable and ongoing battle for funding. They need to find out the truth about how Sean died, and be reassured that action will be taken to prevent anything like this happening again.”
The Rigg family is being represented by INQUEST Lawyers Group members Leslie Thomas of Garden Court Chambers, instructed by Daniel Machover of Hickman & Rose Solicitors. They are being supported by INQUEST throughout the inquest.
Ends
Notes to editor:
1. Under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act the police may detain someone they believe is suffering from a mental illness and in need of immediate treatment or care. Section 136 gives authority for the police to take a person from a public place to a “Place of Safety”, either for their own protection or for the protection of others, so that their immediate needs can be properly assessed.
2. Evidence sessions will begin on the second day, Tuesday 12 June.
3. Neither the family nor their representatives will be available for comment while the inquest is ongoing. Please address any queries to Hannah Ward at INQUEST.
4. For further information please contact:
Hannah Ward, Communications Manager, INQUEST: 020 7263 1111 / hannahward@inquest.org.uk
5. INQUEST is the only registered charity that provides a general telephone advice, support and information service to any bereaved person facing an inquest and a free, in-depth complex casework service on deaths in custody/state detention or involving state agents and works on other cases that also engage article 2 of the ECHR and/or raise wider issues of state and corporate accountability. INQUEST's policy and parliamentary work is informed by its casework and we work to ensure that the collective experiences of bereaved people underpin that work. Its overall aim is to secure an investigative process that treats bereaved families with dignity and respect; ensures accountability and disseminates the lessons learned from the investigation process in order to prevent further deaths occurring.
Please refer to INQUEST the organisation in all capital letters in order to distinguish it from the legal hearing.
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c/o Inquest 89-93 Fonthill Road, London N4 3JH
PRESS STATEMENT
THE UNITED FAMILIES & FRIENDS CAMPAIGN (UFFC) REGARDING THE PROCESSION ON SATURDAY 29TH OCTOBER 2011
MEET 12.30PM TRAFALGAR SQUARE
FOR A MARCH TO DOWNING STREET
The United Families and Friends Campaign (UFFC) is a coalition of families and friends of those that have died in the custody of police and prison officers as well as those who are killed in secure psychiatric hospitals. It includes the families of Roger Sylvester, Leon Patterson, Rocky Bennett, Alton Manning, Christopher Alder, Brian Douglas, Joy Gardner, Aseta Simms, Ricky Bishop, Paul Jemmott, Harry Stanley, Glenn Howard, Mikey Powell, Jason McPherson, Lloyd Butler, Azelle Rodney, Sean Rigg, Habib Ullah, Olaseni Lewis, David Emmanuel (aka Smiley Culture), Kingsley Burrell, Demetre Fraser and Mark Duggan to name but a few. Together we are building a network for collective action to end deaths in custody.
During the late nineties the families of the most controversial deaths in police custody victims came together to form UFFC. Since then we have campaigned for justice for our loved ones and our efforts have yielded some results. The police self-investigation of deaths in custody, previously overseen by the Police Complaints Authority, was replaced by the Independent Police Complaints Commission. The Attorney General was forced to undergo a review of the role of the Crown Prosecution Service. We continue to monitor these developments.
However, these reforms have not addressed the lack of justice in outstanding cases such as Joy Gardner, Brian Douglas and Shiji Lapite, to name a few. These are human rights abuses and must be dealt with accordingly. Nothing can replace due process of law and with so much overwhelming evidence against police officers accused of manslaughter, the question remains why have they not been convicted? Our priorities were to continue to support cases such as Ricky Bishop, Roger Sylvester, Mikey Powell and Harry Stanley. In recent years other high profile cases such as those of Ian Tomlinson, Jean Charles De Menezes and Sean Rigg show how the IPCC and the CPS have continued to fail us. Since last year we have had the high profile deaths of David Emanuel (aka Smiley Culture), Kingsley Burrell, Demetre Fraser, Lloyd Butler and Mark Duggan. The deaths have not stopped and nor shall we. Our Annual Remembrance Procession will take place on 29th October 2011.
Samantha and Marcia, sisters of Sean Rigg said: "It is now over three years since Sean died at the hands of Brixton Police and still we are fighting to get crucial evidence from the IPCC. Why? We have to wait four years for an Inquest to find out how he died. Why? This is our fourth attendance on the UFFC march and it beggars belief the amount of deaths that have occurred since Sean died. Since the last march in October 2010, there have been a staggering 225 deaths in state custody. Why? We families have not had justice; we just have us. It is therefore imperative that families must unite together to remember their loved ones and continue their quest for justice and change in the British judicial system for positive action from it to ensure that the embarrassing list of deaths at the hands of the state has no more victims added to it. No Justice. No Peace."
The family of Olaseni Lewis said: "The unnecessary and untimely loss of Seni has brought great sorrow into our lives. He was a bright 23yr old, who had just finished his masters and was looking forward to doing his PHD. Why was his restraint at the hands of the police so excessive? And who is going to be accountable for taking his life?"
Merlin Emmanuel, the nephew of David Emmanuel said: "I am joining the UFFC campaign because my family has lost a loved one at the hands of the police under suspicious circumstances, namely Smiley Culture. We have yet to receive the justice we deserve and have been shocked by the contemptuous way we have been treated by the Met and the mainstream media. We have noted that many families have been treated in the same way and that deaths in police custody have not been investigated competently by the IPCC, neither by our government or politicians. We know we are up against a great Goliath but we, the Emmanuel family and Campaign 4 Justice are aware that organisations such as UFFC bring awareness to our plight and therefore it is our duty to stand in solidarity with them. Not just this October, but every year until the spectre of deaths in police custody becomes a bad memory."
Josie Fraser mother of Demetre Fraser said: "My son died after police attended a property in Birmingham in May 2011. The IPCC has not given me any strong answers or confidence in their so-called investigation. The arresting officers have still not given me any answers or even a phone call. Just like all other families I am supporting the UFFC campaign as I would like justice for my son and all others who have died in police custody over the years."
Jan Butler mother of Lloyd Butler said: "My son died whilst in the 'care' of the police on 4th August 2010. You cannot change some things; you cannot turn back the clock. In life there is a certain guarantee that we all one by one will some day die, but as a mother you do not expect to bury your children first. I am going to the march in London to take part and share my support with other families and friends whose loved one has died in custody - the fight goes on."
Susan Alexander mother of Azelle Rodney who was shot dead by police in April 2005 said: "I have been coming to the UFFC rally since 2005. I was appalled to see so many bereaved families and when confronted with statistics from Inquest I was even more intrigued and wanted answers. The reasons I attend are for the fact that I am making demands and changes on a local, national and global level. I want to make a difference, I want to be visible, I want justice. Over the years those demands have changed and I am stronger. The Azelle Rodney Campaign has been able to influence changes in the law that will not only assist us, but other families too. We ALL want Justice!"
Sheila Sylvester, Mother of Roger Sylvester said: "I am surprised to know that the police and the state are still killing people! Change was supposed to come since Roger's death, but in the past 12 years nothing has really changed. The system should be ashamed of itself! You have to have a lot of money to fight these cases, but all you get is an Inquest, and nothing comes out of an Inquest."
The family of Habib Ullah who died in July 2008 said: "We are still fighting for justice and note that three and a half years since his death in a car park in High Wycombe nothing has changed, more people have died, and the police still operate with impunity in our communities. Until there is justice there will be no peace - how can there be deaths in these circumstances without killers?"
Sieta Lambrias sister of Mikey Powell who died in police custody in Birmingham in September 2003 said: "The struggle for justice for my brother, and all the others that have died at the hands of the state, goes on. We ask people to come and support us. We cannot keep silent and condone these killings."
Stephanie Lightfoot-Bennett whose brother Leon Patterson died in Stockport police station in 1992 said: "I have been coming to this march for the past 13 years. I am fighting to get a public inquiry into how my twin brother died. I have got too many questions and not enough answers. My family have a right to know."
Patricia Coker the mother of Paul Coker who died in Plumstead police station in August 2005 said: "We have zero tolerance of murder, manslaughter cruelty and negligence being carried out by the British police and condoned by Parliament. It is our intention to speak for our loved ones who have died in custody."
Janet Alder whose brother Christopher died in the custody of Hull police officers in April 1998 said: "I am awaiting judgment from the European Court of Justice regarding the government’s admittance, for the first time, that they have failed to hold the police officers accountable for my brother Christopher’s right to life and for the degrading and inhuman treatment, as well as racism. In other words they have murdered my brother and I have forced them to admit it. Stand up and believe in your fight!”
Brenda Weinberg, sister of Brian Douglas who died in police custody in Clapham, London in May 1995 said: "It is not in the public interest for the victims of deaths in custody to be denied justice."
UFFC is supported by INQUEST, Migrant Media, Newham Monitoring Project, Pan African Society Community Forum, 4wardEver UK and United Campaign Against Police Violence.
Press Contacts: contactuffc@gmail.com / info@seanriggjusticeandchange.com
Patrick Ward: 07894 497 705 / Ken Fero: 07770 432 439
Notes to editors:
What we believe
• That failure of State officials to ensure the basic right to life is made worse by the failure of the State to prosecute those responsible for custody deaths.
• That failure to prosecute those responsible for deaths in custody sends the message that the State can act with impunity.
What we demand
1. Replacement of the IPCC to ensure open robust transparent and thorough investigations into police deaths in custody by a ‘truly’ independent body from the very outset of the death.
2. Officers and officials directly involved in custody deaths be suspended until investigations are completed.
3. Immediate interviewing of officers and all officials concerned with the death.
4. Officers and officials should never be allowed to ‘collude’ over their evidence and statements of fact.
5. Full disclosure of information to the families.
6. Prosecutions should automatically follow ‘unlawful killing’ verdicts at Inquests and officers responsible for those deaths should face criminal charges, even if retired.
7. Implementation of police body cameras and cameras in all police vehicles in the interests of both the officers and the public.
8. The end of means testing of families for legal aid. There is a lack of funds for family legal representation at Inquests whilst officers and NHS staff get full legal representation from the public purse – this is unbalanced.
28 October 2011 |
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Advance Press Notice
13th ANNUAL DEATHS IN CUSTODY REMEMBRANCE PROCESSION
Saturday 29th October 2011
12.30pm Assemble Nelsons Column Trafalgar Square to march to Downing Street
Families of those who have died in police and prison custody and secure state care will hold a silent procession and then deliver a letter of demands to the Prime Minister.
Organised by United Families and Friends Campaign
Speaking in advance of the march, Marcia Rigg, sister of Sean Rigg who died in police custody in Brixton in August 2008 said:
"We will be marching to remember all our loved ones and to remind the Government that we are not going away. We need justice and positive action taken to ensure that this terrible list of deaths at the hands of the state has no more victims added to it"
For more details contact
07894497705
07770432439
contactuffc@gmail.com / info@uffc-campaigncentral.net
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Sean Rigg Justice and Change Campaign
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Press: Patrick Ward – 07894497705 / office@againstpoliceviolence.org.uk
21 August 2010:
SEAN RIGG 1968-2008
Second Year Memorial
Second Year Memorial Vigil Outside Brixton Police Station 5pm
Followed by a Public Meeting 6-8.30pm
The Karibu Education Centre, 7 Gresham Road, Brixton, London SW9 7PH.
(Directly opposite Brixton Police Station on Gresham Road)
On 21 August 2008, our brother Sean Rigg, was arrested by police, “restrained” and transported to Brixton police station in the back of a van. He was removed from the van in a collapsed state and died a short while after whilst in the station yard. He never entered the custody suite door.
The events leading to his death raise suspicion and concern. Although a mental health service user, Sean was fit and healthy with no illicit drugs or alcohol found in his body at the time of his death. The Independent Police Complaints Commission's (IPCC) report completed in February 2010 is, in the family’s opinion, “Heavily biased in favour of the police”, despite the obvious suspicious circumstances surrounding Sean’s death. A catalogue of errors in the investigation has caused the family to lose faith in the British judicial process following a DEATH IN CUSTODY.
For two years the family have vigorously enquired and campaigned in an attempt to find out the truth of what really happened on the night. Currently the family’s legal team are preparing for the inquest, scheduled for 2012.
Justice and Change will be hosting an open floor discussion where they and other families will talk about their experiences of injustice. The family campaigns include Christopher Alder, Brian Douglas, Roger Sylvester, Ian Tomlinson, Blair Peachand Jean Charles de Menezes amongst others, who have lost loved one’s in police custody – all have lost faith in the British Judicial System. What has really changed in the last 30 years?
Come listen and discuss your views about the controversial topic of DEATHS IN CUSTODY and the lack of accountability.
Other supportive death in custody campaign organisations, such as INQUEST, Newham Monitoring Project (NMP), Black Mental Health UK (BMH UK) and United Campaign Against Police Violence (UCAPV), will speak about the current issues and explore what can be done do to bring about awareness and change.
Family solicitor Anna Mazzola said: “It is now two years since Sean died and his family are no closer to getting answers to fundamental questions such as: why didn’t the police and NHS Trust respond to pleas for help from Sean’s mental health hostel? What happened to Sean in those crucial minutes between him being arrested and arriving in a collapsed state at Brixton police station? Why haven’t they been able to access key CCTV footage from the night? It is devastating for the family that they should have to wait until 2012 for a full inquest and deeply worrying that until that time the policies and failings which led to Sean’s death will remain unremedied.”
Deborah Coles of Inquest said: “Sean’s family’s disquiet about the lack of impartiality and independence of the investigation process and the serious delay in holding an inquest have once again resulted in a lack of confidence in the investigation mechanisms following deaths involving the police. The recent decision not to prosecute anyone in relation to the death of Ian Tomlinson follows a litany of cases where the police have not been held to account for unlawful use of force and further anger and mistrust about how the state responds to such deaths.
“Sean Rigg was another black man who has died after being restrained by police officers. INQUEST’s monitoring of deaths in custody/following police contact has highlighted how a disproportionate number of people from black and minority ethnic communities have died following the use of force. INQUEST will continue to work with his family and raise the serious issues his death raises at a parliamentary and policy level. There must be non means tested public funding for the family to be represented at the inquest in the same way that police lawyers will be paid for out of the public purse and the inquest must be held as promptly as possible given the serious family and public interest in scrutinising the events leading to the tragic death of a vulnerable man.”
Patrick Ward of United Campaign Against Police Violence, said:“The treatment of the family of Sean Rigg smacks of a justice system chasing its tail to cover up a scandal. Now the family are told to wait for the inquest in 2012, when no doubt the judicial system will seek other ways of proving its 'innocence'. We must unite at events like this to coordinate our continued campaign for justice for all those who have died at the hands of those who claim to protect us.”
The Campaign will also be hosting a private screening of the film “SUS” - a true and chilling account of one man's brush with the police in 1979 - written by Barrie Keefe who also wrote “The Long Good Friday”. Unfortunately due to limited seating, this will be by invitation only. However, SUS will be out on DVD 6 September. See the film’s website for upcoming screenings www.susthemovie.com.
Family Solicitor: Anna Mazzola, Hickman and Rose - amazzola@hickmanandrose.co.uk
Sean Rigg Justice and Change Campaign
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Press: Patrick Ward – 07894497705 / office@againstpoliceviolence.org.uk
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SUS SCREENING IN MEMORY OF SEAN RIGG
VICTIM OF POLICE BRUTALITY
On Saturday 21st August, The Sean Rigg Justice and Change Campaign, will come together to commemorate the life of Sean Rigg on the 2nd anniversary of his death. After a vigil and town meeting in Brixton, the campaign will host a special screening of SUS. The film’s director, Robert Heath, and lead actor, Clint Dyer, will attend the screening for a discussion with members of other prominent campaigns against police violence.
Sean died in 2008 whilst in custody at Brixton police station, London. The gifted musician was a charismatic, ambitious and healthy member of the Brixton community; where he worked as a volunteer at the Franz Fanon Community Centre.
Sean’s untimely death, aged forty, has aroused suspicion amongst the rapper’s friends and family. On the day of his death Sean was arrested on suspicion of public order offenses, the likely result of a missed dose of medication for his schizophrenia.
Within 90 minutes of his arrest Sean was dead.
At 7:40pm Sean was bundled into a police van by MET officers.
At 8:03pm Sean was left in a cage in the police yard. Where he passed in and out of consciousness and failed to stand.
By 8:20pm Sean had stopped breathing.
At 9:24pm Sean was declared dead by hospital staff
Following an IPCC (Independent Police Complaints Commission) inquiry, CCTV footage has been removed from inside the station but not from the police yard which would show a clear view of the cage area where Sean was taken ill.
Sean’s family have voiced concerns about unexplained injuries to Sean’s body.
The harrowing real life events surrounding Sean Rigg’s death are a startling reminder of events in SUS. The film, out on DVD from September 6th, was written by acclaimed screenwriter Barrie Keefe (The Long Good Friday) to explore the effects of the 1970s Stop and Search laws, which were disproportionately applied to minorities.
EVENT DETAILS FOR SATURDAY 21ST AUGUST
Vigil outside Brixton Police Station in remembrance of Sean Rigg, 5pm sharp.
Public Meeting across from Police Station at The Karibu Education Centre, 7 Gresham Rd, Brixton, London SW9 7PH, 6-8pm. Followed by a private screening of SUS.
ABOUT SUS
 DVD RELEASE DATE: 6th September
DIRECTED BY: Robert Heath
STARRING: Clint Dyer, Ralph Brown, Rafe Spall
GENRE: Drama
RUNNING TIME: 91 mins approx CERTIFICATE: 15
RRP: £14.99
SPECIAL FEATURES: Theatrical Trailer, Deleted Scene, Behind The Scenes: The Making of SUS, Short Film: Ice Cool Reception, Directed by Robert Heath, Starring Clint Dyer and Katy Cavanagh
CAT NO: DIG3821
BARCODE: 5034741382113
RELEASED BY: 4 Digital Media, Independent Film Company
PRE-ORDER AND SAVE: Amazon.co.uk or Play.com
AVAILABLE IN HMV STORES 6 SEPT
The film is as compelling as its stage counterpart. Set on election Night 1979: where Margaret Thatcher is on the cusp of power, SUS is the story of a young black man is held on suspicion of murdering his pregnant wife.
Officers Karn and Wilby, racist to the core and high on the prospect of a Conservative Party victory, try to lure the suspect into a quick confession. But the night has just begun...
Callous humiliation gives way to a barrage of sinister violence. As morning approaches the police desperately resort to physical and mental torture, all leading to a devastating conclusion.
For further information please contact Alex Beedell at Organic Marketing:
Alexandra.Beedell@Organic-Marketing.co.uk / 0203 372 0981
 
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UNITED CAMPAIGN AGAINST POLICE VIOLENCE
office@againstpoliceviolence.org.uk - www.againstpoliceviolence.org.uk
Press: Patrick Ward 07894 49 7705
PRESS RELEASE - For immediate release
WHO KILLED IAN TOMLINSON?
PUT POLICE IN THE DOCK
United Campaign Against Police Violence urges Crown Prosecution Service to prosecute officer involved
The United Campaign Against Police Violence (UCAPV) welcomes the step forward in the investigation into the death of newspaper vendor Ian Tomlinson. As the Independent Police Complaints Commission passes its files on the investigation into the police officer seen to strike Ian Tomlinson to the Crown Prosecution Service, we hope that this case will finally come to court and that justice is done.
If the officer is charged and found guilty of Ian's death it would be the first time an officer has ever been charged with manslaughter.
Millions have now seen the footage obtained by citizen journalists of Ian Tomlinson being struck from behind by the police officer. We can only assume that the 1,200 hours of footage obtained by the IPCC from CCTV cameras in the area will give a far more detailed account of the event.
UCAPV has been part of the movement calling for justice for Ian Tomlinson, and also for the many others who have died in police custody. We recognise the efforts of the thousands who have campaigned over the death of Ian Tomlinson, and we will campaign further to ensure that there will be a thorough and fair criminal investigation into Ian's death, but also the deaths of others who have died in police custody – numbering over 1,000 since 1969, but as yet without any verdicts of murder or manslaughter against any police officer.
As we await the trial date for the officer in question, UCAPV is playing a key role in organising a memorial event for Sean Rigg, who died at Brixton Police Station in August 2008. This will take place on 21 August, more details to follow.
NOTES TO EDITORS
United Campaign Against Police Violence (UCAPV) is a coalition of protest groups, justice campaigns, political parties, civil rights groups and trade unions around the slogans: Remember Ian Tomlinson - no more deaths in police custody; Freedom to protest - defend civil liberties.
UCAPV supporters include the UCU and PCS unions, London Green Party, Labour Representation Committee, Socialist Workers Party, G20 Meltdown, Stop the War Coalition, Legal Defence and Monitoring Group, Government of the Dead, London Transport Region RMT, the Sean Rigg Justice and Change Campaign, Essex Students' Union, Sussex Students' Union, and others.
Representatives of the campaign are available for interview.
UNITED CAMPAIGN AGAINST POLICE VIOLENCE
office@againstpoliceviolence.org.uk - www.againstpoliceviolence.org.uk
Press: Patrick Ward 07894 49 7705
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SEAN RIGG JUSTICE AND CHANGE - STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF IAN TOMLINSON
The family of Sean Rigg wish to express their sincere condolences to Mr Tomlinson's family over his tragic, quick and untimely death after coming into contact with the police. Our thoughts and hearts are with them at this very difficult and grief stricken time.
The Rigg family have been closely following the evidence so far with heartfelt sadness as we too, amongst many other families, are going through very similar circumstances since our brother Sean died very shortly after coming into contact with Brixton police on 21 August 2008. We know from experience that Ian's family's pain at this time is being exacerbated by the misinformation and half truths at the early stages of the investigation. Had witnesses not come forward with video footage, the investigation would have taken a very different stance. We are concerned that initially the police and the IPCC appear to have mislead the public about vital information regarding the circumstances of Ian's death.
The investigation into Ian's death requires a robust and transparent investigation as quickly as possible. The Rigg family note that Nick Hardwick, Chairman of the IPCC, has quoted recently that he pledges to seek justice for the relatives of the 47 year old newspaper seller, adding "we will be independent, we will be fast and we will be effective". The Rigg family truly hope that this will be fulfilled by the IPCC and that justice will be given to Ian's family. However, the Rigg family find it inconsistent that such reassuring statements were not forthcoming from the outset and onwards into the investigation of Sean's death, for instance it took 7 months for statements to be taken from the officer's involved in Sean's arrest, amongst many other discrepancies. The Rigg family, and many other death in custody families, have had to push and push and push the IPCC to properly investigate and gather evidence from the outset and feel that in Ian's case, it is only because of the media concerns and CCTV footage that the IPCC have no alternative but to appear to act quickly and transparently. We hope that the investigation will continue this way throughout.
The Rigg family renew their appeal for all witnesses that saw Sean's arrest on Thursday 7 August 2008 between approximately 7.15 to 7.45 pm to please come forward to contact either the IPCC or the family's solicitors, Hickman & Rose.
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