Police apologise after inquest rules neglect lead to death of man in Milton Keynes

Thames Valley Police (TVP) have apologised after the jury at an inquest ruled neglect by a former officer lead to the death of a man in Milton Keynes.

The jury delivered a verdict regarding the death of Brian Ringrose, who passed away in early 2021.

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

Officers then attempted to take Mr Ringrose back to custody but had to restrain him in the middle of the hospital’s A&E department in the view of medical professionals and the public.     

After a prolonged period of restraint, officers took him to a custody vehicle, before the 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.  

The inquest concluded the act constituted an unlawful killing as an act of 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.  

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”. 

TVP have confirmed that following a gross misconduct hearing on 27 July 2024, in front of a legally qualified independent chair, two officers were proven to have committed gross misconduct.   

A now-former police officer 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. TVP confirmed that 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.