IPCC Thomas Orchard investigation file goes to Crown Prosecution Service

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has submitted a file of evidence in the Thomas Orchard investigation to the Crown Prosecution Service.

On 3 October 2012, Mr Orchard was restrained and arrested in Exeter on suspicion of a public order offence and was taken at about 11.10am by police van to custody at Heavitree Road Police Station.

Just over an hour later Mr Orchard was taken by ambulance to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital as he was unresponsive in his cell. Mr Orchard subsequently died on 10 October 2012.

Commissioner Rachel Cerfontyne said: "This file of evidence concerns Mr Orchard's time in custody and relates to two custody detention staff, three police officers, one custody sergeant and a nurse who is employed by a contractor.

"It will be a matter for the Crown Prosecution Service to determine whether criminal charges will be brought against any of those police staff involved in Mr Orchard's detention on that day."