The inquest into the death of Sean Rigg, who died in police custody in 2008, is currently being heard at Southwark Coroners Court, with Leslie Thomas representing the Rigg family.
Mr Rigg, who was 40 had suffered from severe mental health problems for 20 years, and had a formal diagnosis of schizophrenia. After stopping taking his medication, and during a mental health crisis, the police were called, who restrained and detained him under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983. Rather than being taken to hospital, Mr Rigg was transported to Brixton police station, where he died a short time later.
Acting for the family, some of the questions Leslie will be seeking an explanation to are why the mental health service did not intervene once it became clear that Mr Rigg was experiencing a crisis, why the Metropolitan Police took him to a police station rather than to hospital, and whether the medical treatment offered by the police doctor was adequate.
The case has attracted a great deal of media attention, having been reported for example by BBC News and The Independent.
More detailed background to the case can be found in the INQUEST press release.
Leslie is instructed by Daniel Machover of Hickman & Rose Solicitors.
Leslie Thomas is a member of the Garden Court Inquests and Claims against the Police and Public Authorities Teams.
