PSNI sergeant faces manslaughter charge over cell death

A PSNI sergeant and a former civilian detention officer are to be prosecuted for gross negligence manslaughter following the death of a man in a police station cell two years ago.

David McGowan (28) died while in custody at Lisburn police station on May 30th, 2014, after his arrest over an incident on Beersbridge Road in east Belfast.

Following an investigation by the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland, Dr Michael Maguire, the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said on Tuesday it would be pursuing the offences of gross negligence manslaughter and misconduct in public office in relation to the case.

It is the first prosecution of a police officer in the history of the Police Ombudsman’s office.

A PPS statement said: “Criminal proceedings have now commenced and those involved have a right to a fair trial.”

A statement from the law firm representing Mr McGowan’s family welcomed the PPS announcement and noted the “enormity of work that lies ahead for all the agencies involved in what is the first prosecution arising out of a recommendation by the Police Ombudsman in its 13-year history.

“This has been a deeply traumatic two years for David’s family, particularly his mother Elizabeth, but this announcement will go some way in helping them to come to terms with David’s death,” the statement from Kevin R Winters & Co, Solicitors said.

Suspended from duty

PSNI assistant chief constable Mark Hamilton confirmed the police officer involved in the case has been suspended from duty and the other person involved was not longer working for the PSNI.

He offered Mr McGowan’s family “our ongoing sympathy and condolences.

“I recognise this is another difficult day for them,” he said.

“The PPS have now made a direction in relation to this case and we will continue to co-operate with them over the coming months.”