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Mind comments on Roger Sylvester inquest jury ruling
Posted Friday 26 November 2004
Commenting on the latest developments of the Roger Sylvester inquest jury ruling, Richard Brook, Chief Executive of mental health charity Mind said:
"Mind is concerned about the overruling of the unlawful killing verdict by the inquest jury in the High Court today. Although the Judge may have had questions around the consistency of the reasons given for verdict returned, by not allowing another inquest he has effectively denied Roger Sylvester and his family the chance to ensure the question of accountability is answered.
Roger Sylvester's case was tragic but not isolated. Twenty seven black men who had been diagnosed with mental ill health have died, in the care of the state including in police custody in the last 20 years. The Government, Metropolitan Police and other authorities must make sure their staff are adequately trained to understand and deal with people who have mental health needs, especially those from black and ethnic minorities."