One-legged man, 93, dies after being tasered and pepper-sprayed by police in row at his care home
A 93-YEAR- OLD dementia sufferer with one leg has died after he was pepper-sprayed and tasered by police officers in his care home.
Police were called to the home following reports of an elderly man with dementia threatening staff with a knife.
When the two officers arrived they found Donald Burgess, 93, who was confined to a wheelchair, holding the knife. After a brief exchange one of the officers pepper-sprayed him and used his baton, while the second officer tasered him.
They disarmed the former carpenter, who was a resident at a care home in St Leonards- on- Sea, East Sussex, and handcuffed him.
He was taken to hospital for treatment but three weeks later, on July 13, Mr Burgess died.
Sussex Police voluntarily referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which has since launched an Inquiry.
The two officers – both constables from Sussex Police – have been told they are under criminal investigation for manslaughter and have been handed gross misconduct notices.
The IOPC said that initial steps in the investigation have been carried out, including taking witness statements and reviewing the officers’ body- cam footage.
Its investigators also attended the post-mortem examination on July 21 and are awaiting the findings of further cardio-pathology tests, as the cause of Mr Burgess’ death is not yet known.
Graham Beesley, IOPC regional director, said: ‘I want to express my sympathies to the man’s relatives and those who knew him.
‘We have advised his next of kin of our independent investigation and explained the steps we will be taking.
‘This will include investigating whether the force used by the two officers against this male was reasonable, necessary and proportionate in the circumstances and in line with local and national policies, procedures and guidance.’
Sussex Police assistant chief constable Tanya Jones said: ‘ We want to express our sympathies to the family and friends of Mr Burgess. Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time. We are providing every assistance to the IOPC to allow for a thorough investigation and for the family to receive the answers they need.’ Last night neighbours at his former home in Battle said they were ‘stunned and shocked’ by his death. One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: ‘What a tragedy.
‘He was a lovely, sociable man. He and his wife, Ethel, lived here for years and they were a lovely couple.
‘Ethel got cancer and the last time she went into a hospice I promised her I’d look after her Don. This is so upsetting. I can’t believe it. How terrible.’
She said that Mr Burgess had suffered from diabetes for some time and had to have his leg amputated as a result.
‘After Ethel died he had his own carers,’ the neighbour added. ‘But after he had his leg amputated he only came back for one night before he had to go into a care home.’ Another neighbour
‘He was a lovely old man’
‘I promised I’d look after him’
said: ‘ He must have developed dementia after he went into the care home because he was always fine when he was here.
‘We liked him. He was a friendly old guy. I think the death of his wife hit him very hard.’
Another resident said the couple were childless and had to rely on carers in their later years.
‘They were both lovely,’ said one. ‘I don’t remember Don having any hobbies like gardening or watching sport but I know he liked to watch the TV.
‘He was a nice, gentle old man. What has happened to him has left me stunned and shocked. It’s absolutely dreadful.’
Another resident said: ‘ How dreadful. I knew him quite well to pass the time of day with. He was a lovely old man.’
IT beggars belief that a 93-year-old, onelegged dementia sufferer could be tasered, pepper-sprayed, struck with a baton and handcuffed by police inside an East Sussex care home.
It’s true that in his confused state Donald Burgess had threatened staff with a knife.
But as he was confined to a wheelchair, surely he could have been left to calm down for a while before the officers resorted to such appalling violence.
Described by friends as a naturally gentle man who was grieving the death of his wife, Mr Burgess died three weeks later and the two constables concerned are under criminal investigation.
But the fact they should have so little respect or concern for a sick and vulnerable citizen is a shocking enough indictment in itself.
Meanwhile, it was revealed yesterday that the use of ‘ chemical cosh’ drugs on dementia sufferers in care homes increased by 50 per cent during the pandemic – another terrible legacy of lockdown.
It’s said that the test of a civilised society is whether it treats its elderly with dignity. With stories like these, can Britain really claim to be passing that test?
■ DESPITE a concerted drive by ministers to get Whitehall back to work, it was revealed yesterday that in several major departments the proportion of civil servants at their desks is actually falling. They were on full pay throughout the pandemic and have saved a fortune on commuting costs, yet the main public sector union is balloting for strike action in pursuit of a 10 per cent pay rise. What planet are they on?