Adam Stone: Restraint By West Midlands Police Of Man In Mental Health Crisis Examined At Inquest

UPDATE 25 January 2022: This inquest concluded finding Adam's death was caused by "consequences of cocaine toxicity and coronary artery atheroma with Acute Behavioural Disturbance" with a narrative conclusion. The family did not issue a follow up media release. 

12 January 2022

Before Area Coroner Emma Brown
Birmingham and Solihull Coroner’s Court

Opened Monday 10 January 2022
Closes 28 January 2022

Adam Stone died after experiencing a mental health crisis, and a period of restraint, whilst in the custody of West Midlands Police officers on 12 September 2019. The inquest into his death opened this week.

Adam was a 40 year old White man. His family describe him as a funny, kind, and loyal man, who was loving father and husband, and a talented chef. Adam was full of passion, wanting so much for his life and that of his family. They say his huge and courageous heart meant that he was loved and will be missed by many.

West Midlands Police officers came into contact with Adam on 11 September 2019 after it is suspected that he began to suffer an episode of Acute Behavioural Disorder or Excited Delirium. Adam was restrained by four police officers for around 30 minutes and his health deteriorated during this time.

West Midlands Ambulance Services were subsequently called to the scene and Adam received treatment from paramedics. However, Adam sadly died at the Heartlands Hospital the following day.

The inquest will explore issues relating to the police officers’ response to Adam, the impact of the restraint, and the medical assistance sought and provided.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

For photos, further information to note your interest, please contact Lucy McKay on 020 7263 1111 or lucymckay@inquest.org.uk

The family is represented by INQUEST Lawyers Group members Sura Jawad of Saunders Law Solicitors.

Other Interested persons represented are the West Midlands Police Service and West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Other deaths involving West Midlands police and people with mental ill health include:

• Abdul Hamid, a 26 year old Asian man, died following restraint by members of the public and West Midlands Police on 1 May 2020. He had a history of mental ill health. Despite concerning evidence an inquest concluded making no criticism of those involved in his death.
• Trevor Alton Smith, a 52 year old Black man, was fatally shot by police officers on 15 March 2019. He had been experiencing mental ill health. Despite concerning evidence, the inquest found his death was a lawful killing.
• Kingsley Burrell, a 29 year old Black man, died on 31 March 2011 following prolonged restraint by police and a failure by medical staff to provide basic medical care. He had been experiencing a mental health crisis. An inquest in 2015 found neglect contributed to his death. In 2018 officers were found guilty of gross misconduct.
• Michael ‘Mikey’ Powell, a 38 year old Black man, died after being detained by West Midlands Police on 7 September 2003. He was experiencing a mental health crisis when police drove a car into him, then subjected him to use of force and restraint. In 2013 West Midlands Police issued an apology.