Police officers are investigated for manslaughter over death of one-legged dementia-hit care home resident, 93, who was Tasered, hit with baton and pepper sprayed at care home
- Police were called to a care home in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, on June 21
- When the two officers arrived they found Donald Burgess, 93, holding a knife
- Sussex Police referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)
Two police officers are being investigated for the manslaughter of a dementia sufferer with one leg who died after he was Tasered, hit with a baton and pepper sprayed in his care home.
Police were called to a care home in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, on the afternoon of June 21 following reports that a wheelchair-bound elderly man was threatening staff with a knife.
When two officers arrived they found Donald Burgess, 93, a resident at the care home who suffered from advanced dementia, holding a knife.
After engaging with him briefly one of the officers pepper sprayed him and then used his baton on him while the second officer Tasered him.
Two police officers are being investigated for the manslaughter of a dementia sufferer with one leg who died after he was Tasered, hit with a baton and pepper sprayed in his care home (file image)
When two officers arrived they found Donald Burgess, 93, a resident at the care home who suffered from advanced dementia, holding a knife. After engaging with him briefly one of the officers pepper sprayed him and then used his baton on him while the second officer Tasered him (stock image)
They disarmed the elderly man and then handcuffed him. He was taken to hospital for treatment, but he died three weeks later on July 13.
Sussex Police voluntarily referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) which has launched an enquiry.
The two officers – both police constables from Sussex Police – have been told they are under criminal investigation for manslaughter and have also been handed gross misconduct notices.
The IOPC said initial steps carried out in the investigation include taking witness statements and reviewing the officers’ body worn video footage.
Police were called to a care home in St Leonards-on-Sea (above), East Sussex, on the afternoon of June 21 following reports that a wheelchair-bound elderly man was threatening staff with a knife
They also attended the post-mortem on July 21 and await the findings of further cardio-pathology examinations, as the cause of Mr Burgess’ death is not yet known.
Graham Beesley, IOPC Regional Director, said ‘I want to express my sympathies to the man’s relatives and those who knew him.
‘We have advised his next-of-kin of our independent investigation and explained the steps we will be taking.
‘This will include investigating whether the force used by the two officers against this male, was reasonable, necessary and proportionate in the circumstances and in line with local and national policies, procedures and guidance.’
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