Inquest Reveals Local Man Died After Police Restraint in Gainsborough

Title: Recent Inquest Discloses Incident of Police Restraint Before Local Man’s Death in Gainsborough

Content:
An ongoing inquest in Lincoln has disclosed alarming footage of a Gainsborough local, Robert Gracey, being physically restrained by the police just hours before he died on 29 September 2021. Mr Gracey, aged 39 and from Morton Terrace, was unresponsive in the police van following a physical confrontation with six officers at Gainsborough Police Station. These events were triggered when Mr Gracey knocked on the station’s window, prompting the police to intervene.

This incident came on the heels of a call to the police from his residence on 27 September. The call concerned Mr Gracey’s mental health. Officers detained him under the provisions of the Mental Health Act in response and took him to hospital. However, he was discharged the next day. Further video clips revealed Mr Gracey calling out to his neighbour, while officers employed various ways, including the use of Pava spray and leg restraints, to physically handle him.

Sergeant Paul Wilson, now retired, confirmed during the inquest that he hit Mr Gracey’s leg to curb his attempts at kicking out and biting. Mr Wilson conceded that his remarks about Mr Gracey during the incident were unsuitable. As soon as Mr Gracey become unresponsive, officers initiated CPR. Subsequently, he was transported to the hospital, where he tragically lost his life.

The inquest is looking into whether ‘acute behavioural disturbance’, a term recognised by the College of Policing, had a role in Mr Gracey’s death. It is projected that the inquisition process will extend for another two weeks.

This report has been adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.