Police sergeant among accused in manslaughter trial over death in custody

A police custody sergeant and two detention officers are to go on trial accused of killing a schizophrenic church caretaker who collapsed while in custody.

Sergeant Jan Kingshott, 44, and civilian staff Simon Tansley, 38, and Michael Marsden, 55, face trial at Bristol Crown Court.

The three defendants each deny two joint charges of the manslaughter of Thomas Orchard.

The first charge alleges that on October 10 2012 they did an act or series of acts which unlawfully killed Mr Orchard.

The second charge alleges that on the same day the Devon and Cornwall officers unlawfully killed Mr Orchard by gross negligence.

Mr Orchard died in hospital seven days after he was allegedly restrained at Exeter's main police station having been earlier arrested on suspicion of a public order offence.

The trial is expected to last up to seven weeks before High Court Judge Mr Justice King.