Donald Burgess, who had one leg and dementia, died last month, three weeks after being hit by a Taser. On Thursday, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it was investigating the June 21 incident, which involved two constables from Sussex Police. They were responding to calls that a resident of a care home in St Leonards-on-Sea had a knife and was threatening staff. One of the officers tried to restrain Burgess using incapacitant spray and a baton. Another officer then fired a Taser before the knife was removed. Burgess was handcuffed and taken to hospital, where he remained until his death on July 13. Sussex Police referred the incident to the watchdog after allegations of excessive use of force by its officers. The two constables involved have been served with misconduct notices and letters informing them they are under criminal investigation for manslaughter. The IOPC emphasized that this does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings or criminal charges will follow. The security guard has taken a witness statement and is reviewing the officers’ body-worn camera footage. Investigators also conducted an autopsy and are awaiting the results of the medical tests, as the cause of Burgess’ death is not yet known. IOPC regional director Graham Beesley said: “I want to express my condolences to the man’s relatives and those who knew him. We have informed his next of kin of our independent investigation and explained the steps we will take. “This will include an investigation into whether the force used by the two officers against this man was reasonable, necessary and proportionate in the circumstances and in accordance with local and national policies, procedures and guidance.” In 2020 the IOPC said it was concerned about allegations of disproportionate use of stun guns against black people and people with mental health problems. Deborah Coles, the executive director of human rights charity Inquest, said she was “deeply disturbed” and “in disbelief” at the level of violence used against the elderly man. He said: “It is almost unconscionable to think of an extremely vulnerable elderly man with dementia in a care home being subjected to such use of force by the police. It begs the question why there was a police and no medical response to a man in such obvious distress.” He added: “It is vital that there is a criminal investigation that is prompt and effective to ensure that those responsible are held to account.”
