A POLICE sergeant accused of killing a church caretaker who collapsed in custody has appeared in court.

Sgt Jan Kingshott (43), is charged with the manslaughter of Thomas Orchard (32), after he was arrested in Exeter.

Civilian detention officers Simon Tansley (37), and Michael Marsden (54), are charged with the same offence.

All three men, who serve with Devon and Cornwall Police, were bailed by Exeter magistrates to appear at Bristol Crown Court on February 26.

The defendants are charged with unlawfully killing schizophrenic Mr Orchard in October 2012 by the use of unreasonable force and another charge of unlawfully killing Mr Orchard by gross negligence.

They have also been charged with misconduct in public office.

The men made no pleas and spoke only to confirm their names and that they understood the charges against them.

Mr Orchard was a caretaker at St Thomas Church in Exeter.

He was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence in Exeter City Centre and was restrained on the morning on October 3, 2012. He was taken to Heavitree Road Police Station Custody Unit and removed from the police van into the holding area and then a cell.

He was taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital after he was found unresponsive in a cell.

Emergency medical assistance was rendered in the cell but he died on October 10 having failed to recover.

A full file of evidence was submitted by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) in October 2014 following their investigation into the way police officers are alleged to have conducted themselves during their contact with Mr Orchard.

FROM CREDITON

The Orchard family come from Crediton and in October Thomas' brother, Jack and Jack's girlfriend, Emma Higgins, who live in the town, took part in a rally, a Justice Day, held at Crediton Congregational Church.

At the Justice Day the Orchard family were encouraging those who attended to sign postcards encouraging Mel Stride, MP for Central Devon, to assist in furthering the case.

Mr Stride told the Courier at the time: "I have written to the Home Secretary to ask that she look into the time taking to investigate this matter and when she expects the investigation to be concluded.

"I will continue to press on this."

'THE TRUTH'

Tony Hogg, the region's Police and Crime Commissioner, also said in October: "The responsible authorities have taken too long to come to a conclusion in this dreadful case.

"I trust that they will shortly come to a conclusion so that appropriate action can be taken, if necessary."

Alison Orchard, Thomas' mother, told the Courier, following the CPS announcement: "It is great news that this is moving on but I am under no illusions that there is a long road ahead.

"What we want as a family is honesty, we want the truth, we are not anti the police, we just want things to change."

Following the recent court appearance Mrs Orchard expressed frustration at the length of time taken for the case to get to court.

However, she said the family were relieved that proceedings were now under way.

Alan Quick