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Roger Sylvester - Unlawful Killing Verdict

paster | 06.10.2003 09:43 | Anti-racism | London

Eight Met police officers have been suspended after an inquest jury said Roger Sylvester who died after being restrained by police had been subject to “unnecessary force”.
His case was one of those featured in the film 'Injustice'.

Officers suspended over custody death
By Local London Reporter


Eight Met police officers have been suspended after an inquest jury said a man who died after being restrained by police had been subject to “unnecessary force”.

The jury returned the verdict on the death of Roger Sylvester, who slipped into a coma and died after being taken into custody outside his Tottenham home in January 1999, last Friday.

Both the Sylvester family and the police officers involved in the case, who denied the claim they had used too much force, have said they are considering further action.

The Crown Prosecution Service has announced it will also review the case.

The eight officers have been suspended on full pay.

Mr Sylvester was detained by police under the Mental Health Act, after officers found him knocking on his front door, naked.

Up to eight officers were involved in putting Mr Sylvester in restraint for about 20 minutes, after which he slipped into a coma, from which he did not recover.

The inquest jury said that Mr Sylvester’s death was caused "when more force was applied than was reasonably necessary”.






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