The family is represented by Stephen Simblet KC of Garden Court Chambers and Erica San of Bhatt Murphy Solicitors. They are supported by INQUEST Senior Caseworker Jodie Anderson.
The below content has been reproduced from an INQUEST press release.
On 3 July 2022, Kaine Fletcher died following a period of restraint by Nottinghamshire police officers whilst intoxicated. An inquest into the circumstances of his death began this week in Nottingham City Council House before HM Assistant Coroner Alexandra Pountney, and is expected to last up to 4 weeks.
Kaine had been discharged from mental health support several weeks prior to his death, and called the police himself the day before he died, expressing paranoid thoughts. Police, an ambulance and a mental health nurse attended but decided against offering further treatment on the basis that Kaine was intoxicated, and he went home.
Some hours later, a family member again called 999, explaining that Kaine seemed very unwell and needed help. When a number of police officers attended, Kaine initially agreed to go with them to hospital. However, he then became distressed on getting into the police car.
Kaine was handcuffed and restrained in the car, and on the pavement for about half an hour before an ambulance was called. It was identified that he was suffering from an acute behavioural disturbance, a life-threatening medical emergency, especially in combination with restraint. He arrived at Queen’s Medical Centre around an hour and a half after the initial restraint, but was found to be extremely unwell by then. He died some hours later.
Kaine’s family has been devastated by his death. He leaves behind two small children, a loving family, and a close circle of friends. His mother visits his grave every day.
The mother of Kaine’s children said: “Kaine was a really good dad. The worst day of my life was when I had to tell the children that their dad had died. It’s heartbreaking to know that Kaine won’t be there for their big milestones -starting nursery, prom, graduating from university, getting married. He will never be able to be a grandad. This will stay with the children for the rest of their lives.”
