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Grandfather Dies After E-Scooter Seizure
17 Mar
Summary
- Man had underlying heart condition, could have died anytime.
- Officers' CPR delay minimally contributed to death.
- Private e-scooters legal on private land, not public roads.
A grandfather, Joseph Tidmarsh, 59, died from a cardiac arrest in a police vehicle following an argument over his e-scooter being seized for illegal use on public roads. An inquest at Liverpool Coroner's Court heard that Tidmarsh had a significant pre-existing heart condition making him susceptible to sudden death.
The incident occurred on August 22, 2023, in Liverpool when officers arrested Tidmarsh for a public order offense. Bodycam footage showed him shouting at the officers. A medical consultant noted a delay in CPR after Tidmarsh became unresponsive in the police car.
However, the consultant also testified that this delay, along with a brief pause in compressions, only "minimally" contributed to his death. He emphasized that Tidmarsh's underlying heart disease was the primary risk factor. The coroner reminded the jury that privately owned e-scooters are only legal on private land, not public roads or parks.
Following the incident, Tidmarsh's family described him as a loving grandfather and a respected community member. An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct found no criminal matters or breaches of professional standards related to the incident.
