Met police detention office jailed

A former Met Police detention officer has been jailed for six months following his for misconduct in public office.

The conviction followed an investigation into the death in police custody of Robert Kavarz on 2 July 2005.

Former Dedicated Detention Officer Ian Green pleaded guilty to a charge of misconduct in a public office relating to carrying out checks and maintaining custody records during Mr Kavarz`s detention at Chingford Police Station.

Mr Kavarz was arrested and charged with assault on 1 July 2005 and was kept in custody until he was due to appear in court the following day. On the morning of 2 July Mr Kavarz was found to be unwell and taken to Whipps Cross Hospital where he later died.

A Post Mortem examination revealed that Mr Kavarz had consumed large amounts of methanol and had subsequently died from methanol poisoning.

Appearing before Southwark Crown Court on 8 February, Mr Green, was sentenced to six months imprisonment and ordered to pay £2,000 costs.

The judge commended the Independent Police Complaints Commission Deputy Senior Investigator and six MPS officers who were involved in the investigation.

Mr Green who was suspended from his duties following the incident has since resigned from the Metropolitan Police Service.

Commissioner Deborah Glass said: “The police have a duty of care to those in their custody. Custody staff must carry out proper checks on detainees to ensure their welfare and these must be recorded. The rules for custody staff which include carying out regualr checks on the welfare of detainees, are there to ensure that this duty is properly carried out.

“This case shows the importance of adhering to those rules, particularly where detainees are vulnerable through drink or some other impairment.”

A Metropolitan spokesperson said: “The death of Robert Kavarz at Chingford police station in July 2005 is a matter of deep regret to the MPS and we continue to extend our sympathy to his friends and family.

“Any death in police custody will naturally raise concerns however such incidents are extremely rare. All police officers and Designated Detention Officers are trained to identify vulnerable individuals and aware of the duties they must carry out.

“The MPS Custody Directorate oversees a standardised and high quality approach to custody across London and instances where these standards are not met are treated very seriously.”

Following the conclusion of the case, an inquest into Mr Kavarz`s death is expected to be heard at Walthamstow Coroner`s Court.