Police admit belt breach after arrest
A POLICE force has admitted breaching safety legislation in relation to a belt used on a man who died after being restrained.
Devon and Cornwall Police pleaded guilty at Bristol crown court.
They were charged under the Health and Safety at Work Act in relation to the death of Thomas Orchard, 32.
He died in hospital a week after being arrested and brought to Heavitree Road police station in Exeter, Devon, in 2012.
Following his arrest an emergency response belt was placed around his head for five minutes.
He was found unconscious within 45 minutes.
In March 2017, three police officers were cleared of gross negligence manslaughter by a jury.