Neil Wilby Media

A recent report by Oliver Longstaff, HM Coroner for the Yorkshire West (Eastern) area, has identified significant shortcomings in the treatment of detainees at the Elland Road Police Station in Leeds, following the death of 48-year-old Nicholas Gedge in November 2022.

The Prevention of Future Deaths report, published on 15th March, 2025, raises concerns about the adequacy of medical care and monitoring provided to individuals in police custody.

According to the report (read in full here), Mr Gedge was arrested and detained overnight at the Elland Road custody suite on 13-14th November, 2022. During his detention, he exhibited signs of severe alcohol withdrawal, including agitation and confusion. Despite these symptoms, the report indicates that the medical response was insufficient, and the detained person was not adequately monitored. Tragically, he was found unresponsive in his cell on the morning of 14th November and was later pronounced dead at hospital.

The coroner’s investigation revealed that the custody staff failed to follow established protocols for managing detainees experiencing alcohol withdrawal. The report emphasises the necessity for proper medical assessments and continuous monitoring in such cases to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) had previously investigated Mr. Gedge’s death, following a mandatory referral by West Yorkshire Police, focusing on the circumstances of detention and the adequacy of care provided.

The IOPC’s findings contributed to the concerns later expressed by the coroner, highlighting systemic shortcomings in how at-risk detainees are monitored and managed at the Elland Road custody suite.

An IOPC spokesperson said “actions of the officers and police staff who had contact with Mr Gedge were in line with the relevant policies and procedures”.

“We found no indication that anyone serving with the police had behaved in a way that would justify disciplinary proceedings”.

In response to these findings, the coroner has issued recommendations aimed at improving the care of detainees in police custody. These include enhanced training for custody officers on recognising and managing withdrawal symptoms, as well as the implementation of stricter monitoring procedures for at-risk individuals.

West Yorkshire Police have acknowledged the report and stated their commitment to reviewing and implementing the recommended changes. A spokesperson for the force expressed condolences to Gedge’s family and emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in their custody.

This case underscores the critical need for rigorous medical oversight in custodial settings and serves as a sombre reminder of the potential consequences when protocols are not adequately followed.

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Page last updated at 07h20 on Friday 28th March, 2025

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