Inquest hears police actions may have contributed to death of 92-year-old dementia patient

The actions of two police officers who used a Taser and pepper spray on a 92-year-old dementia patient in his care home may have contributed to his death, according to an inquest. Donald Burgess, a wheelchair-bound amputee suffering from dementia, was involved in an incident in June 2022 after staff reported he had flicked food at them and refused to drop a butter knife. During the confrontation, officers PC Stephen Smith and PC Rachel Comotto shouted at Mr. Burgess before using a baton, pepper spray, and Taser on him. Following the incident, Mr. Burgess was arrested and taken to a police station. He was hospitalized shortly after and died 22 days later from complications related to Covid-19. The inquest was informed that Mr. Burgess had multiple health conditions and had been a resident at the care home since 2018. Jesse Nicholls, representing Mr. Burgess's family, argued that the police's use of force may have caused physiological stress that contributed to his death. The hearing was adjourned, and a full inquest may be held at a later date. Both officers were previously charged with assault but were found not guilty.