An investigation into the death a drug abuser while in police custody has prompted the IPCC to commend staff for attempting to revive the man.

Overall, the IPCC's managed investigation concluded that ‘neither the collective action nor inaction of the staff was responsible for the death of Darren Bennett’ who died after collapsing in Stockton Police Office.

However, a number of procedural failures were uncovered in Mr Bennett's treatment at Stockton Police Office.

In particular there were repeated breaches of the PACE Codes of Practice and Cleveland Police procedures:
• No prisoner risk assessment was undertaken;
• There was a failure to ensure Mr Bennett was visited and roused every 30 minutes as is standard procedure for detainees suspected of being intoxicated;
• Failure to complete accurate records of detention.

The report recommended that:
• Cleveland Police reviewed its procedures re the use of CCTV in vulnerable person cells;
• Cleveland Police ensured there is a clear understanding amongst all Custody Officers of their responsibilities;
• Cleveland Police developed a local protocol with the Health Authority to provide clear guidance on dealing with persons who require intervention under the Mental Health Act.

As a result of the report's findings:
• A custody sergeant has been reprimanded;
• A police constable and civilian detention officer received words of advice in relation to their breaches of Codes of Practice and force policy;

Gary Garland, IPCC Commissioner for the North East, said: ‘My condolences go out to Mr Bennett's family and friends. The investigation was extremely thorough and identified that although nothing could have been done by staff to prevent Mr Bennett's death, a mixture of complacency and ignorance led to a number of procedural errors. These failings needed to be addressed and Cleveland Police did review their procedures to ensure as far as is possible these failings do not repeat themselves in the future.’

A three-day inquest was held into Darren Bennett's death and a verdict of death by natural causes was returned.