In a case that has gripped the East Midlands, two Nottinghamshire Police officers have been cleared of gross misconduct following the death of 39-year-old Gavin Parry during a distressing incident in Mansfield.
The tragic events unfolded on November 26, 2021, when police responded to concerns about Mr Parry's welfare at a property on Rockwood Avenue. What began as a welfare check escalated into a confrontation that would end in tragedy.
The Fateful Encounter
Body-worn footage presented during the hearing revealed the intensity of the situation. Officers could be heard pleading with Mr Parry to "stop fighting" as they attempted to restrain him. The court heard how police used incapacitant spray and handcuffs during the struggle.
Tragically, shortly after being restrained, Mr Parry became unresponsive. Despite desperate attempts by officers and paramedics to save him, he was pronounced dead at King's Mill Hospital.
Independent Investigation Findings
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) conducted a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Parry's death. Their findings revealed several concerning aspects of the police response:
- Officers failed to adequately consider Mr Parry's mental health crisis
- Communication with mental health services was insufficient
- The duration and nature of restraint raised serious questions
A Family's Heartbreak
Mr Parry's family expressed their profound disappointment with the verdict, stating they felt "let down by the system." In an emotional statement, they described Gavin as "a much-loved son, brother, and father" whose death has left an irreplaceable void in their lives.
"We believe there were multiple failures in how the police handled Gavin's situation," the family stated. "He needed help and compassion, not the aggressive response he received."
Police Response and Reforms
Nottinghamshire Police acknowledged the tragedy and emphasised the challenging circumstances officers face when responding to mental health crises. Assistant Chief Constable Rob Griffin expressed condolences to Mr Parry's family while defending the difficult decisions officers must make in volatile situations.
The force has since implemented additional training for officers dealing with mental health incidents and improved protocols for engaging with health professionals during emergencies.
This case highlights the ongoing national conversation about police responses to mental health crises and raises important questions about restraint techniques and de-escalation procedures used by forces across the UK.
