Prevention of Future Deaths reports · 2019

Raymond Knight

Regulation 28 report to prevent future deaths, reference 2019-0120, written 5 Apr 2019. A coroner writes one of these when an inquest reveals a risk that could cause further deaths unless something changes.

Date of report5 Apr 2019
Reference2019-0120
DeceasedRaymond Knight
CoronerCaroline Beasley-Murray
Coroner areaEssex
CategoryPolice related deaths
Sourcejudiciary.uk record · original PDF
Responses publishednone published

The report

Text extracted from the PDF text layer. Reproduced verbatim, including the scan's own layout.

ANNEX A 

REGULATION 28:  REPORT TO PREVENT FUTURE DEATHS (1) 

NOTE: This form is to be used after an inquest. 

REGULATION 28 REPORT TO PREVENT FUTURE DEATHS 

THIS REPORT IS BEING SENT TO: 

The chief constable, Essex Police 

1 

CORONER 

I am Caroline Beasley-Murray, senior coroner, for the coroner area of Essex 

2 

CORONER’S LEGAL POWERS 

I make this report under paragraph 7, Schedule 5, of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 
and regulations 28 and 29 of the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013. 
[HYPERLINKS] 

3 

INVESTIGATION and INQUEST 

On 20 November 2017 I commenced an investigation into the death of Raymond Alan 
Knight The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 4 April 2019. The 
conclusion of the inquest was:- 

At approximately 19.54pm on the 19 November 2017 Mr Raymond Alan Knight was 
stopped by police. After a search of his vehicle he was then arrested on suspicion 
of possession with the intent to supply illicit drugs at 20.15. He was transported to 
Grays Police Station custody suite and whilst waiting in the holding cell with 
police officers he collapsed. Emergency medical care was provided immediately 
and paramedics attended. Mr Knight was then taken by ambulance to hospital 
where he was pronounced dead. Toxicological analysis indicated high levels of 
cocaine in Mr Knight’s blood. 

The death was drug related 

4 

CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DEATH 
See above 

5 

CORONER’S CONCERNS 

During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed a matter giving rise to concern. 
In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the 
circumstances, it is my statutory duty to report to you. 

The MATTER OF CONCERN is as follows.  –  

The CCTV camera positioned in the holding area at Grays Police Station did not include, 
within its range, sight into the individual holding cells. As a result, there was no 
photographic record of exactly how Mr Knight was and what he was doing while he was 
in the holding area. It is essential to be able to see what is happening within the holding 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 cells when a prisoner is detained within one of them. The court was told that a police 
officer would be required to be at the cell at all times but if, for any reason, there were to 
be no officer in attendance, a CCTV record of within the cell is essential. The 
introduction of discrete camera coverage of the holding areas may well prevent future 
deaths, of whatever cause, in those specific locations.  

6 

ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN 

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you and your 
organisation have the power to take such action.  

7 

YOUR RESPONSE 

You are under a duty to respond to this report within 56 days of the date of this report, 
namely by 31 May 2019. I, the coroner, may extend the period. 

Your response must contain details of action taken or proposed to be taken, setting out 
the timetable for action. Otherwise you must explain why no action is proposed. 

8 

COPIES and PUBLICATION 

I have sent a copy of my report to the Chief Coroner and to the following 
Interested Persons –  

1.  Taylor Haldane Barlex solicitors for 
2. 
3. 
4.  G4S 

IOPC 
ITN solicitors for the family 

I am also under a duty to send the Chief Coroner a copy of your response.  

The Chief Coroner may publish either or both in a complete or redacted or summary 
form. He may send a copy of this report to any person who he believes may find it useful 
or of interest. You may make representations to me, the coroner, at the time of your 
response, about the release or the publication of your response by the Chief Coroner. 

9 

 5 April 2019                                             Caroline Beasley-Murray

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