Title: Enquiry into Gainsborough Resident’s Death in Police Custody Begins
The investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of Robert Gracey, a 39-year-old man from Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, has commenced in Lincoln. Mr Gracey tragically lost his life while under police custody in September 2021. It was reported that officers used physical restraint on him due to his unpredictable behaviour, which involved knocking on the window of Gainsborough Police Station. His spouse, Zoe, recounted the events culminating in his death as deeply distressing, underlining the emotional hardship inflicted upon their family.
Coroner Paul Smith informed the court jury that Mr Gracey had received blows to his stomach and leg from police officers. The official statements from these officers are yet to be delivered. The police detained Mr. Gracey on the night of his untimely demise after he was found in a heightened state of paranoia. Subsequently, he became unresponsive in the police vehicle. Emergency attempts to resuscitate him at Lincoln County Hospital proved fruitless, and his death was declared shortly after arrival.
The purpose of this investigation is to gain further insight on whether the actions undertaken by the police may have impacted Mr. Gracey’s struggle with mental health problems, which had become apparent in the days preceding his death.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
