What was the cause of Robert Gracey's death according to the inquest?

The jury confirmed Robert Gracey's medical cause of death was the effects of cocaine, restraint and struggle against restraint, and a scarred heart.

Did the jury find the police restraint reasonable in the Robert Gracey case?

The jury found the initial restraint in the garden reasonable and proportionate, but the force used to place Mr. Gracey into the van was deemed highly inappropriate.

What medical conditions were identified in Robert Gracey's inquest?

The inquest identified the effects of cocaine, restraint, and a scarred heart as contributing factors to Robert Gracey's death, with evidence suggesting a cardiac arrest.

Home / Crime and Justice / Inquest: Inappropriate Restraint Contributed to Death

Inquest: Inappropriate Restraint Contributed to Death

19 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Jury finds inappropriate restraint likely contributed to man's death.
Man died from cocaine effects, restraint, and scarred heart.
Police failed to treat situation as medical emergency.

Inquest: Inappropriate Restraint Contributed to Death

A jury has determined that the way police officers restrained Robert Gracey in the back of a van "probably contributed to his death." The 39-year-old, who died in September 2021, succumbed to the effects of cocaine, restraint, and a pre-existing heart condition. The inquest revealed that officers failed to treat his situation as a medical emergency, despite him becoming unresponsive.

During the proceedings, body-worn camera footage showed Mr. Gracey being restrained and placed into the police vehicle. One officer admitted to punching him twice to distract him during his resistance. The jury found the initial garden restraint reasonable but the force used to place him in the van "highly inappropriate," alongside an unacceptable lack of dedicated monitoring.

Further findings indicated a missed opportunity to transfer Mr. Gracey to A&E for potentially life-saving intervention. The jury also critiqued police training on Acute Behavioural Disturbance, stating it had been insufficient. Mr. Gracey's wife expressed heartbreak over the violence and names used against her husband in his final moments.