A vulnerable black man who died after police dragged him across a bathroom floor by his collar and handcuffed him had a medical emergency that was worsened by his interactions with the officers, an inquest jury has concluded.
Godrick Osei, a student, had been experiencing acute behavioural disturbance (ABD) in the early hours of 3 July 2022 after using cannabis and cocaine, and drinking alcohol, the inquest into his death heard.
The 35-year-old thought he was being chased by someone and called the police asking for help before breaking into a care home in Truro, Cornwall, and entering a narrow bathroom.
Care home staff called 999 and when police officers arrived, Osei was locked inside the bathroom screaming and calling for help.
Officers forced their way in and found Osei on the floor. One of the officers, PC Peter Boxall, told the inquest he dragged Osei by his collar as this was the safest way to get him out of the narrow space. He argued that handcuffing him was justified for the safety of the officers and members of the public, including Osei.
The inquest heard ABD presents with symptoms such as extreme agitation, paranoia, rapid breathing and sweating, and can be exacerbated by restraint. Boxall said he had been trained in ABD but had not recognised it in Osei.
The inquest jury returned a narrative conclusion on Friday. It said: “Godrick’s death was caused by heart failure related to acute behavioural disturbance (ABD) and associated drug and alcohol misuse and mental health difficulties (PTSD).
“His ABD was exacerbated by the use of illicit substances and alcohol and psychological distress he experienced with his interactions with the police.”
In legal arguments during the inquest, the family argued that the jury should be given the option of reaching a conclusion of unlawful killing.
They said that everything Osei experienced that night – including being dragged across the floor and sworn at – was “part and parcel” of the events that led to his death. Devon and Cornwall police argued that natural causes ought to be the conclusion.
The case is particularly sensitive for the Devon and Cornwall force after the death of church caretaker Thomas Orchard, who died after a heavy webbing belt was placed over his face by police during a mental health crisis in Exeter in 2012. An inquest juryfound in 2023 that prolonged use of the belt may have contributed to his death.
The charity Inquest, which has been supporting Osei’s family, said his death highlighted a “broader and longstanding pattern” of a disproportionate number of deaths of black men after police use of force, particularly those in mental health crisis. Research by Inquest in 2022 reported that black peopleare seven times more likely to die after police restraint than white people.
After the conclusion of the hearing, Jodie Anderson, senior caseworker at Inquest, said: “The police response to Godrick was brutal and inhumane. Terrified and in crisis, he called 999 seeking help, fearing for his life. Instead, he was met with aggression and force.
“Godrick’s death highlights a deeply embedded culture within policing: one that defaults to violence rather than compassion. From the Macpherson report to the Casey review, the warnings about institutional racism have been clear – yet nothing changes.”
During his inquest in Truro,Osei’s family claimed he was treated “inhumanely” because of his race, which was denied by the officers involved in the incident.
His relatives described him as a deeply loved son, brother, and father-of-two, a “gentle giant” who had struggled with his mental health after the death of his father.
Una Morris, the family’s lawyer, suggested to PC Boxall that his attitude changed when he saw Osei was black. The inquest heard that he told a colleague to “red dot” Osei – aim a Taser at him, though the electrical weapon was not discharged – and said: “Fucking hell, look at the sight of his fingers.”
The lawyer asked Boxall if dragging a black man by the collar across the floor and swearing at him was “inhumane”. Boxall replied that the man’s race made no difference. “We needed to gain control,” he said. However, he apologised for his language.
Devon and Cornwall police have been contacted for comment.