The Crown Prosecution Service is considering whether to bring criminal charges against six cops after the death of a man under arrest, it was revealed today.
All six were told more than a year ago they were ‘under criminal investigation for possible offences of gross negligence manslaughter and misconduct in public office’, the Independent Office for Police Conduct said in a major update issued on Wednesday.
Jack Higham, 20, was detained by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) near Mill Lane in Leigh, Wigan, in February 2023. The officers involved were responding to reports of an assault at the time, said the police watchdog, reports Manchester Evening News.
Following his arrest Mr Higham, from Leigh, is said to have become ‘seriously unwell’. The IOPC said officers began CPR and called an ambulance, but despite Mr Higham receiving medical treatment from paramedics he tragically died at the scene.
In the update, the IOPC confirmed it has now sent the findings of its probe into the incident to the CPS.
The watchdog said the six GMP officers were first notified in January last year that they were under criminal investigation for possible offences of gross negligence manslaughter and misconduct while serving in public office. The cops haven’t been named.
The IOPC added that the six – alongside five other officers – have also been served with gross misconduct notices for potential breaches of police standards of professional behaviour.
A referral to the CPS does not mean criminal charges will not automatically follow. An inquest into Mr Higham’s death has also been opened and adjourned.
In the statement, the IOPC said: “The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has made a referral to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) following its investigation into the circumstances of the death of a 20-year-old man shortly after he was arrested by police in Leigh, Greater Manchester.
“Jack Higham was detained by officers near to Mill Lane on Thursday 9 February 2023, after they were responding to reports of an assault. Following Mr Higham’s arrest, he became seriously unwell. Officers began CPR and called an ambulance. Mr Higham received medical treatment from paramedics but sadly died at the scene.
“We received a mandatory referral from GMP due to the fact Mr Higham had been detained by officers prior to becoming unwell.
“In January 2024, six GMP officers were notified they were under criminal investigation for possible offences of gross negligence manslaughter and misconduct in public office. The officers, along with five other officers, were also served with gross misconduct notices for potential breaches of police standards of professional behaviour.
“Our independent investigation looked at the actions and decision-making of the police, including the force used to restrain Mr Higham and the level of care provided to him when he became unwell. A post-mortem has taken place and the results of further tests are awaited. A Coroner’s inquest was opened and adjourned on 3 January 2024.”
IOPC Director of Engagement Amanda Rowe said: “I extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Higham for their loss. We refer cases to the CPS if our investigations indicate a criminal offence may have been committed. It does not mean criminal charges will necessarily follow. We will now await a CPS decision on this matter.”
A GMP spokesperson said: “We are aware of the latest in the IOPC’s investigation, which we have been fully cooperating with. These are serious alleged offences, and we will await the decision of the CPS before commenting further.
“We are in contact with the GMP Federation to ensure the officers involved are updated and supported.”