ALLEGATIONS of misconduct have been proven against a custody sergeant following a public hearing held at Avonn and Somerset Police HQ.

A panel, led by an independent legally qualified chairman, ruled that allegations of gross misconduct were not proven against Sgt Ian Flower.

But the panel did find the officer had committed misconduct, relating to Professional Standards of Duties and Responsibilities, and Orders and Instructions.

Following the ruling, the panel decided the officer should be given a written warning.

The allegations related to the officer’s actions following the arrest of 40-year-old David Fournier D’Albe on Sunday, December 28, 2014, in Burnham-on-Sea.

Mr Fournier D’Albe sadly died in Bridgwater Custody Centre in the early hours of Tuesday, December 30, from natural causes.

The cause of his sudden death is not related to these misconduct proceedings.

Ealier in the week, a panel ruled that allegations of gross misconduct against PC Stephen Brawley, PC Ian Bartlett and PC Nick White were not proven, but they did find the officers had committed misconduct.

The hearing was also connected to Mr Fournier D'Albe's death.

Following the ruling, the panel decided no sanctions should be imposed on any of the officers.

Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Watson said: “I’d firstly like to renew our heartfelt sympathies to the family of David Fournier D’Albe for their tragic loss.

“These misconduct proceedings resulted from an investigation carried out by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and focussed on how duties and responsibilities were carried out following Mr Fournier D’Albe’s arrest and subsequent detention in custody.

“We fully respect the findings of the panel, led by an independent legally qualified chairman.

“We have comprehensive policies and procedures in place governing how we deal with people detained in our custody centres, all of which adhere to the College of Policing’s Authorised Professional Practice (APP).

“Following this incident, we’ve continued to provide training, guidance and facilities that prioritise the safety of people in custody.

“The training provided has included information to assist officers and staff in conducting effective risk assessments for people in custody and how to identify and respond to detainee vulnerabilities. 

“Independent custody visitors regularly visit our force custody centres as part of our aim of being as open and transparent as possible.

"They are able to observe, comment and report on conditions of people who have been detained and are authorised to check on their welfare and custodial arrangements.”