Peter Kelly

I am Ms N J Mundy, Senior Coroner, for South Yorkshire, East District

On the 16th May 2023 I commenced an investigation into the death of Peter Alfred Kelly. The  investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on the 16th November 2023 . The conclusion of the inquest was:

Mr Kelly was taken into police custody on the evening of the 25th April 2023 following an assault  whilst inebriated. He was placed in a cell, observed through the night and in the morning deemed fit  enough for interview. The interview proceeded after which a decision was made that there was no  legal basis upon which he could be detained further from an investigative point of view and thus  arrangements were made for his release from custody. The custody officer releasing Mr Kelly and who completed the Pre Release Risk Assessment noted  that Mr Kelly stated to have mental health issues which were treated with sertraline. There is a  question on that form which states “how are you feeling now” but this was left blank. In evidence the officer stated that he considered Mr Kelly’s demeanour to be jovial, he caused no difficulties whilst in  police custody, he did not feel that he was in crisis and felt that he was fit for release. However, whilst giving evidence he expanded on these comments by stating that he believed that Mr Kelly  should have been seen by a health professional while in custody, he referred to having a Liaison and Diversion team and that he felt that the opportunity for them to assess was missed. He indicated that Mr Kelly had been dealt with “very fast” in custody that day and he assumed Mr Kelly was let out “too quick” he suggested that South Yorkshire Police missed an opportunity and that there are  procedures in place and thus he feels that the organisation let Mr Kelly down, potentially.  He informed me that the Liaison and Diversion team would check their own computers to see who they wanted to assess and then come down and assess them and he speculated that the team may not  have got round to him because he was released too quickly. Furthermore, he considered that the  reference to depression and self harm on the assessments that took place in custody should have  triggered a review by a mental health professional. . The Inquest was suspended pending obtaining further information and resumed where evidence was provided from both the Liaison and Diversion team and in relation a professional standards referral. Accepted the evidence provided by the LND team which was essentially that the computer records  they have access to merely list those that are in police custody, their name and the reason for their  arrest and does not include any detail regarding mental health. There is space for officers to put LND in the margin which means that an assessment is being requested. However, many requests for assessment are made by those working in the custody suite contacting the LND directly by phone to express any concerns and to ask for an assessment. Following this risk assessment Mr Kelly was released on the morning of the 26th April. Mr Kelly was  found hanged at 07:45 on the 27th April and it was believed he had been dead for some time.

During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion  there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my  statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows. –

1. Failure of a custody sergeant to understand the processes for involving Liaison and Diversion  team.
2. Lack of knowledge regarding the information that is available to the liaison and diversion team on  the police connect system and the facility for police officers to enter LND on that system as a flag.
3. Failure to properly complete the Pre Release risk assessment and failure to understand the  importance of the question asking an individual how they are feeling at the point of release.
4. A lack of understanding as to the triggers which may lead to contact with LND not just during a

person’s time whilst held in custody but at the point of release.

1. It appears that there is a training need for those working within the custody suite to understand

how the system works with LND and the importance of adequately addressing those who are  potentially vulnerable with regard to their mental health at the point of discharge.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you, Lauren Poultney  have the power to take such action.