Police custody death inquiry (From Barry And District News)

Police custody death inquiry

THE death of a Barry man following a period in police custody is being investigated.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission will look into the case of Gareth Bracey, of Meirion Court, who died at the University of Hospital Wales on Monday, April 19.

The circumstances surrounding the 47-year-old's death will be dealt with by the IPCC under the new complaints system.

Mr Bracey was arrested following a disturbance, police said, but a post mortem had not yet been carried out and the cause of death was not yet known.

Commissioner for Wales Tom Davies, who will supervise the investigation, has asked an outside force, the West Midlands Police, to investigate.

Mr Davies, who also met with the family of Mr Bracey, said: "It is always a tragedy when someone dies, particularly in these circumstances, and I express my condolences to the family.

"I will ensure that the circumstances surrounding the death are investigated in a robust and open manner. I will also ensure that the family are kept regularly informed of progress in the investigation."

Gary Dyke, 46, of Main Street, a close personal friend of Mr Bracey, who was known as Snakey, was shocked at his death.

He said: "I knew Gareth for over 42 years. I shared a house with him for 10 years. He was like a brother to me. He was a lovely man, very quiet, but he would do anything for you and always had the time of day for people. His father, Cyril, and mother, Margaret, were lovely people, too.

"Gareth served in the Royal Navy and later in the merchant navy. In recent years he suffered with depression which I think was brought on by relationship problems."

Marina Dyke, of Cornwall Road, said: "I am very surprised to hear that Gareth was being kept in police custody.

"I had known him since he was a little boy. He grew up with my boys. He was a quiet man but always very nice.

"Gareth had a twin brother Jeff and another brother Paul. I think he also had a daughter."

The IPCC, established under the Police Reform Act 2002, replaced the Police Complaints Authority on April 1, 2004. The new organisation has a wide range of new powers significantly stronger than the PCA.