Custody nurse cleared over death of arrested man in police station

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 14:57 · Archive

Sean Cregg has been acquitted of gross negligence manslaughter over the death of William Cameron at a police station in Reading.

Sean Cregg, 36, a custody nurse at Loddon Valley police station in Reading, has been cleared of gross negligence manslaughter and breaching health and safety law. William Cameron, 38, from Newbury, was arrested in Reading town centre at 1.50am on 8 January 2020 on suspicion of assault after his partner called police. He was under the influence of alcohol and drugs when arrested. By the time he reached the police station, Cameron had become unresponsive and was carried into a cell.

Cregg assessed Cameron upon arrival and told the jury he believed Cameron was faking unconsciousness and being obstructive. Cameron died of a heart attack caused by a combination of alcohol, methadone and other drugs. The prosecutor argued Cregg's examination was cursory and his inaction amounted to gross negligence. Guidance from Cregg's employer, Mountain Healthcare, stated that detainees unable to walk or talk should be transferred to hospital immediately.

Defending Cregg, his counsel argued he had done what he thought was right and that the duty of care was shared with the police custody team. She also suggested there was a real possibility Cameron would have died even if taken to hospital. The jury deliberated for 25 hours and 25 minutes before acquitting Cregg on both charges at the Old Bailey on Wednesday. Cregg, who now works in medical equipment sales, was visibly emotional as the verdicts were announced.

How it is being reported

• Police station nurse cleared over detainee deathSean Cregg is found not guilty of gross negligence manslaughter over William Cameron's death.BBC Berkshire · 4 Nov, 14:33
• Custody nurse cleared over death of man he thought was ‘faking’ illnessCustody nurse Sean Cregg cleared of manslaughter and health and safety charge after William Cameron died in custody at Reading's Loddon Valley station, Old Bailey.Reading Chronicle · 4 Nov, 13:43

In this story: Sean Cregg · William Cameron · Loddon Valley police station · Reading · Mountain Healthcare · Old Bailey

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log