WIREDGOV

The inquest into the death of Colin Holt in Gillingham in 2010 was concluded yesterday (Wednesday 18 February) and the IPCC will be reviewing the jury’s narrative findings and determinations.

The IPCC investigated Kent Police’s actions in the circumstances leading up to Mr Holt's death in 2010. The matter was then referred to the Crown Prosecution Service and two officers, PC Maurice Leigh and PC Neil Bowdery, stood trial for offences of misconduct in public office. Both were acquitted at Maidstone Crown Court in May 2013.

The IPCC submitted a report to HM Coroner to assist in her preparation for Mr Holt’s inquest.

A copy of the IPCC investigation report and a learning report were provided to Kent Police in 2011. This investigation found PC Leigh and PC Bowdery had a case to answer for gross misconduct, and made learning recommendations to Kent police in respect of officers seeking the assistance of mental health professionals when called on to return mental health patients to hospital, and the designation of a principal safety officer in relation to restraint. Kent Police accepted our findings and with the conclusion of the inquest can now commence misconduct proceedings. It would not be appropriate to release our report in advance of those proceedings.