Man who died in custody had been checked regularly

POLICE carried out regular checks on an intoxicated man who later died in custody, an inquest opening heard.

David Hill, 57, of Peaks Lane, New Waltham, was found dead in a cell at Grimsby Police Station on May 21.

The inquest opening at Cleethorpes Town Hall heard that a police doctor was coincidentally in the station when officers discovered an unresponsive Mr Hill in his cell.

The hearing was told Mr Hill had been arrested for threatening neighbours with a wrench and for damaging a neighbour's car.

He was arrested at 7.17pm by police on Peaks Lane following reports of affray and criminal damage.

He was driven to Grimsby Police Station's custody suite where he was booked in at 7.49pm and due to his intoxicated state was put under regular 30-minute checks.

Coroner's officer Martin Armstrong said: "He was placed in the recovery position by officers as he was in drink."

Each check was carried out by officers and he was last checked at 10.15pm.

Officers were assured that Mr Hill was breathing and snoring.

But on another check minutes later Mr Hill was found unresponsive.

Police doctor, named in the inquest as Dr Akande, was already dealing with another patient in the police station.

He rushed to assist officers and paramedics were alerted.

Dr Akande carried out cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Mr Hill.

But by 10.35pm he was pronounced dead in the cell. By 1.30am the Independent Police Complaints Commission had been informed.

The inquest opening heard Mr Hill's previous health records, which included details of his obesity and diabetes.

He also suffered from hypertension (high blood pressure) and had an alcohol dependency.

He said patients with the same condition as Mr Hill are comfortable when at rest, but any strenuous activity can bring on palpitations or angina pain.

A post mortem examination revealed his death was "unascertainable" and further toxicological tests and pathology will still need to be carried out.

Grimsby coroner Paul Kelly adjourned the inquest and said further investigation was required.

Stephen Liston, an investigator for the IPCC, said the investigation into Mr Hill's death in police custody was continuing.