First Pre-Inquest Review Hearing in the Inquest into the death of Mr Thomas Orchard

The first Pre-Inquest Review Hearing took place on 14 April 2023 in the Inquest into the death of Mr Thomas Orchard. Mr Orchard died in hospital on 10 October 2012, after having been found unresponsive on 3 October 2012 in the police cell in which he had been detained. His death followed the use of force and application of an “emergency response belt” over Mr Orchard’s face by police whilst he was in custody under police supervision.

Harriet Wakeman is instructed as counsel to the inquest (led by Nicholas Moss KC). The inquest hearing is expected to commence before a jury in November 2023 before HM Senior Coroner for Exeter and Devon, Mr Philip Spinney. It is expected to last for up to 6 weeks.

Press coverage here.