Inquest hears officer struck man while restraining him

Video footage has emerged showing a man being hit multiple times by officers while being restrained, just hours before his death. Robert Gracey, 39, from Morton Terrace, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, passed away in the early hours of 29 September 2021 at Lincoln County Hospital.

The inquest in Lincoln heard that Mr. Gracey became unresponsive in a police van after six officers had restrained him following an incident in which he banged on a police station window.

Sergeant Paul Wilson, who struck Mr. Gracey in the leg, explained that he hit his left thigh to prevent him from kicking and biting a colleague.

Officers were called to Mr. Graceys home shortly after 18:00 BST on 27 September, finding him anxious and paranoid. Body-worn camera footage showed him being detained under the Mental Health Act and transported to hospital in a police van. He was discharged the following morning.

In the early hours of 29 September, PCs Garry Firth and Nicky Brisco responded to 999 calls from Mr. Gracey but left after he refused to speak with them. Later, footage captured officers chasing Mr. Gracey after he banged on a police station window. During the restraint, Mr. Gracey, a father of two, shouted his neighbours name and expressed fear for his safety. Officers used Pava spray, handcuffs, and leg restraints in an attempt to control him.

The video showed PC Warren Beardall sitting on Mr. Gracey, warning him not to bite, while Mr. Gracey repeatedly shouted that he was in danger. PC Beardall held the back of Mr. Graceys neck as he was lifted into the van. PC Firth then struck Mr. Gracey in the stomach twice while helping him into the vehicle.

Mr. Wilson, now retired, told the inquest he believed Mr. Gracey might have been under the influence of drugs. He said he struck Mr. Graceys thigh while trying to prevent him from kicking and biting, and considered police custody the safest option at the time despite recognizing the need for medical attention.

In the van, Mr. Gracey became unresponsive, prompting officers to administer CPR. He was taken by ambulance to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The inquest explored the possibility that he was experiencing acute behavioural disturbance, a term encompassing various mental health conditions.

Radio transcripts played in court revealed Sergeant Wilson calling Mr. Gracey "an absolute idiot" during the incident. He later acknowledged that this language was inappropriate.

Reflecting on the events, Mr. Wilson described the situation as the worst possible thing that could happen to a police officer. The inquest is ongoing and is expected to continue for two weeks.

Author: Lucas Grant