Kaine Fletcher

This is a media release by Bhatt Murphy Solicitors reshared by INQUEST

Kaine Fletcher died on 3 July 2022 following a period of restraint by Nottinghamshire police officers whilst intoxicated.  An inquest into the circumstances of his death starts today in Nottingham City Council House before HM Assistant Coroner Alexandra Pountney, and is expected to last up to 4 weeks. 

Kaine had been discharged from mental health support several weeks before his death, and the day before he died had called the police himself, expressing paranoid thoughts.  Police, an ambulance and a mental health nurse attended but decided against offering further treatment on the basis that Kaine was intoxicated, and he went home. 

Some hours later, a family member again called 999, saying that he seemed very unwell and needed help.  A number of police officers attended, and initially Kaine agreed to go with them to hospital but then became distressed on getting into the police car. 

He was handcuffed and restrained in the car and on the pavement for about half an hour before an ambulance was called.  It was identified that he was suffering from an acute behavioural disturbance which is a life-threatening medical emergency, especially in combination with restraint.  He arrived at Queen’s Medical Centre around an hour and a half after the initial restraint, but by then was found to be extremely unwell and he died some hours later. 

Kaine’s family has been devastated by his death.  He leaves behind two small children, a loving family, and a close circle of friends.  His mother visits his grave every day.

The mother of Kaine’s children said: “Kaine was a really good dad. The worst day of my life was when I had to tell the children that their dad had died. It’s heartbreaking to know that Kaine won’t be there for their big milestones -starting nursery, prom, graduating from university, getting married. He will never be able to be a grandad. This will stay with the children for the rest of their lives.”

Erica San, solicitor for the family said: “Kaine’s partner, his mother and his father, and the rest of the Fletcher family have had to fight hard to get answers to what happened to him. They welcome the opportunity to question those involved in his death, and seek assurances from the inquest that another family will not suffer as they have”.

NOTES TO EDITORS
For further information or request for comment please contact Carolynn Gallwey at Bhatt Murphy on 020 7729 1115 or [email protected]

The family is represented by Erica San of Bhatt Murphy Solicitors and Mr Stephen Simblet KC of Garden Court Chambers. They are supported by INQUEST Senior Caseworker Jodie Anderson.