An inquest into the ‘tragic’ death of Jordon Begley after he was Tasered by police has raised ‘serious issues’ about the officers’ conduct – GMP have extended their sympathies to his ‘devastated’ family.
The 23-year-old from Gorton was Tasered as 11 officers responded to a 999 call from Mr Begley’s mother reporting he had a knife and was involved in a row with neighbours on July 10 2013 – Mr Begley later died in hospital.
After a five-week inquest a jury concluded the Taser was ‘inappropriately and unreasonably’ discharged by police constable Terence Donnelly – in response GMP have ‘restricted’ the operational duties of the eleven officers involved.
Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd stated: “This is a tragic case of a young life being lost in terrible circumstances and my thoughts are with Jordon’s family and loved ones, especially Jordon’s mother who has lost her son.
“I am of course very concerned about the serious issues raised at the inquest.
“And I will work with the Chief Constable in examining the Coroner’s conclusions to make sure that appropriate changes to practices and procedures are made, particularly around the use of tasers and restraint, so as to avoid something like this happening again.”
Mr Begley was hit with 50,000 volt stun gun from a distance of 28 inches as means of ‘distraction strikes’ while he was being restrained and handcuffed by three armed officers, the inquest heard.
While the initial shock did not cause his heart to stop it was decided by a jury that the Taser ‘more than materially contributed’ to the factors which lead to his cardiac arrest.
Assistant Chief Constable Dawn Copley said the way the Taser was used and the use of forced used by officers after the Taser was deployed is a matter of ‘serious concern’ for GMP.
She was also eager to extend her condolences to Mr Begley’s grieving family.
She said: “Firstly I would like to offer our sincere sympathies to Mrs Begley and her family who have been left devastated by Jordon’s death.
“Today, a jury has returned a narrative verdict into Jordon’s death following very detailed consideration of evidence heard during a five-week Inquest.
“That narrative verdict has raised a number of serious concerns, including the way the Taser was used, the use of force by the officers after the Taser was deployed and about the communication between the officers who attended Jordon’s home.”
GMP and the Independent Police and Complaints Commission will now liaise to decide the appropriate course of action based on the ‘troubling’ findings of the inquest.
ACC Copley added: “Given the gravity of those concerns, we will now need to take time to examine the jury’s findings in detail, and liaise with the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) who carried out an independent investigation into Jordon’s death, before it would be appropriate to make any further public comment.
“In considering the circumstances of Jordon’s death, the jury have raised some troubling concerns. We will ensure that these are thoroughly examined and that every possible lesson is learned from this tragic case.
“In the interim, I have decided to restrict the operational duties of the officers involved in the Taser discharge and restraint until we have had time to fully consider the Coroner’s comments and have further dialogue with the IPCC.”
