‘Deserved better’ - Sunderland dad died in police custody following ‘insufficient welfare checks’
An inquest jury has ruled that a Sunderland man died in police custody following insufficient welfare checks.
A three-day inquest into a Sunderland man’s death at the city’s Southwick Police Station has found there was insufficient welfare checks during his time in custody.
Daniel Ryan, from Hendon, was found dead in his police cell on November 12, 2023, during a scheduled check.
At the time of his arrest, 50-year-old Mr Ryan wasn’t showing signs of illness but did tell officers that he had Covid.
The Coroner’s Court, at Sunderland City Hall, heard earlier this week that his condition had suddenly deteriorated while he was in custody and he died from acute bronchopneumonia.
The inquest’s verdict
The jury concluded: “Daniel Ryan was arrested by Northumbria Police for breach of bail and transported to Southwick Police Station.
“Upon arrest, Daniel was not showing signs of illness but mentioned having Covid.
“Upon being detained, Daniel's condition throughout the early morning of 12th November, 2023, suddenly deteriorated whilst in custody.
“Daniel died of natural causes from acute bronchopneumonia and was declared dead at 12:23pm on 12th November 2023.
“Due to insufficient welfare checks, medical care was not obtained for Daniel.”
‘Daniel deserved better in life’
Terri Ryan, Daniel’s sister, has spoken of her family’s pain following his death and called on Northumbria Police to make “the changes needed” to ensure that “no other family has to to suffer the pain that ours has”.
She commented after the inquest: “For nearly three years we have lived with the pain of losing Daniel, while fighting to understand how a man who walked into police custody never walked back out.
“The coroner’s findings have finally recognised what we have believed from the very beginning.
“Daniel died whilst he was in police custody, reliant on those responsible for his care. The jury found that inadequate welfare checks by Northumbria Police led to medical care not being obtained.
“Nothing can ever take away the heartbreak of losing my brother Daniel, who was also a son, uncle and father.
“Daniel wasn't just a name in a court case. He was loved beyond words. He had his struggles, but he deserved dignity, compassion and proper care, just like every other human being. Instead, he was let down at the time he needed help the most.
“We now expect Northumbria Police to accept the findings of the jury, to acknowledge where they failed Daniel, and to make the changes needed to ensure no other family has to suffer the pain that ours has.
“Daniel deserved better in life. We will make sure his legacy is that others are better protected because of him. He will never be forgotten.”
Investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct
Northumbria Police have stated that the Independent Office for Police Conduct’s investigation found no signs of misconduct relating to Daniel’s death.
Assistant Chief Constable Alastair Simpson said: “Our thoughts continue to be with Daniel Ryan’s loved ones following his tragic death in 2023.
“We acknowledge the findings of the inquest which concluded this week.
“As with any death in police custody, an immediate referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who carried out a full investigation and there was no finding of misconduct.
“One officer was given advice regarding their practice.
“As a force, we take the welfare of people in our custody suites extremely seriously and our officers and staff are thoroughly trained in all aspects of custody care.
“Healthcare professionals operate in all of our custody suites to provide support to detainees and custody staff.”