I agree the police officers responding needed more training. Pepper spray while irritating it's not lethal. Use of a baton excessive IMO.
But when reading the article I didn't read where the man was in relation to others. For instance was he in a common room with others trapped or was he isolated?
Was there a reason for staff not to wait for him to be exhausted & fall asleep.
Died 3 weeks later of what?
After the fact judging without explaining why the police were called is easy. As an article it sure can generate interest.
It is understood Mr Burgess, who suffered from dementia, was in a room away from other staff and residents by the time police arrived.
Within seconds of encountering Mr Burgess, one of the officers deployed their PAVA pepper spray, before then using their baton in an attempt to disarm and restrain him.
When this failed the second officer drew his Taser and fired, temporarily incapacitating Mr Burgess with a blast of electrical current.
The officers were then able to remove the knife and handcuff the pensioner.
The retired carpenter, who suffers from diabetes, was arrested at the scene and then taken to hospital for medical treatment.
But his condition worsened and he died three weeks later on July 13. The exact cause of death has not yet been established.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the use of force and two police constables have been informed that they are under criminal investigation on suspicion of manslaughter.
Mr Burgess, who suffered from diabetes, moved into the care home four years ago after having one of his legs amputated.
Friends expressed shock at the incident, describing Mr Burgess as a kind and gentle man.
Born in nearby Battle, he had lived in the area his entire life. He married his wife, Ethel in 1955, but the couple did not have any children.
She died in 2015 after being diagnosed with cancer and after that his health started to suffer according to friends.
On Thursday night, neighbours at his former home in Battle said they were “stunned and shocked” by his tragic death.
One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: “Oh what a tragedy. He was a lovely, sociable man. He and his wife, Ethel, lived here for years and they were a lovely couple.
“Ethel got cancer and the last time she went into a hospice I promised her I’d look after her Don. This is so upsetting. I can’t believe it. How terrible.
She said Mr Burgess, a retired carpenter, had suffered from diabetes for some time and had to have his leg amputated as a result.
“After Ethel died he had his own carers,” the neighbour added. “But after he had his leg amputated he only came back for one night before he had to go into a care home.”
Another neighbour said: “He must have developed dementia after he went into the care home because he was always fine when he was here. We liked him. He was a friendly old guy. I think the death of his wife hit him very hard.”
Another resident said the couple was childless and had to rely on carers in their later years.
“They were both lovely,” said one. “I don’t remember Don having any hobbies like gardening or watching sport but I know he liked to watch the TV.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/08/04/police-tasered-93-year-old-disabled-care-home-resident/
“He was a nice, gentle old man. What has happened to him has left me stunned and shocked. It’s absolutely dreadful.”
