Family of church caretaker shocked after misconduct proceedings end over custody-linked death

Ken and Alison Orchard said they were not surprised at the decision to end disciplinary hearings against two sergeants and two constables.

They hit out at Devon and Cornwall Police for its “incompetence, negligence and sloppy practices” in relation to the death of their son Thomas.

“Strangely, we are not surprised, and yet deeply shocked,” they said.

“Despite their being charged with behaviour that could amount to gross misconduct, no further action will be taken against four police officers whose actions, together with others, in our opinion, directly led to Thomas’ death.

“And this is because of, what we believe to be, incompetence, negligence and sloppy practices from the very people and processes that were meant to protect our son.

“We are not surprised because, in our assessment, we have witnessed it again and again over the past seven years.

“We are not surprised because, to be honest, we never really had any faith in this tribunal, believing it to be an investigation held – only reluctantly after direction from the IOPC – by the police, for the police.

“However, we also remain deeply shocked. As a family we used to believe in the system; we believed that if something bad happened, justice would be served.”But no-one and no process that we have witnessed to date has fully explored – openly, honestly and constructively – the catastrophic failings surrounding…