www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/national/...epileptic_fit_error/

and all they get is a written warning.

Yet more total disgraceful behaviour from our "Protectors"

Obscene story which will strike fear into anyone who suffers from epilepsy.

Thank BR,

"Police arrest an epileptic who has called for medical help and he later dies in custody", would have been a more accurate subject line, if it fits.

Best Wishes,
Jim

actually BR I have a relative who has epileptic fits and they do appear like they are drunk although I've known others who really look like they are having a recognisable fit.

But the story still illustrates that police are badly trained.

Sorry BR,

Upon reflection, I think "Police arrest and allow to die an epileptic who had called for medical help," would better reflect the gravity of the case, whilst remaining within the constraints of accuracy.

Best Wishes,
Jim

It is quite simple - if they had taken him to a hospital he would have lived.

The POLICE are always looking for a crime - so much so in ROBOCOP world that they have caused a man to die - in my book that is a KILLING.

If a member of the public had done this they would have been charged with abduction - false imprisonment and manslaughter.

You all know that is true and we keep making excuses for the evil way the Police Service works in our country.

When the RIOTS come in 2011 then you will realise what this is all leading towards and dont forget that I told you this - especially if I am not around to write on here.......

Thanks BR, you write:

The POLICE are always looking for a crime - so much so in ROBOCOP world that they have caused a man to die - in my book that is a KILLING.

I think you may have a point. This made me think of the US offence of negligent homicide. Here is what Wikipedia says about it. Look closely at the example of the Aeroperu Flight.

"Negligent homicide is a criminal charge brought against people who, through criminal negligence, allow others to die."

"Negligent Homicide is a lesser included offense to first and second degree murder, in the sense that someone guilty of this offense can expect a more lenient sentence, often with imprisonment time comparable to manslaughter. U.S. states all define negligent homicide by statute. In some, the offense includes the killing of another while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Examples of such cases include the crash of Aeroperu Flight 603 near Lima, Peru. The accident was caused by a piece of masking tape that was accidentally left over the static ports (on the bottom side of the fuselage) after cleaning the aircraft, which led to the crash. Employee Eleuterio Chacaliaza left the tape on by accident and was charged with Negligent homicide."

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Negligent_homicide

It looks as if under US law these officers would be liable to prosecution for negligent homicide. Do we have anything similar to negligent homicide here?

Best Wishes,
Jim

PS. One small point, though, BR: there is a difference of some sort, surely, even if not of moral status, between an act of commission and an act of omission.

Failing to act on the instructions of a senior officer is a gross misconduct offence to start with.