Menu
30/01/2012
Police Respond To Cement Mixer Death Criticism
Police in Esssex have issued a response to a report by the complaints commission who were looking into police treatment of a tragic cement mixer death in 2002.
The initial case involved Lee Balkwell, 33, who was found dead at a farm near South Ockendon on July 18, 2002. He had been found in the moving parts of an industrial cement mixer.
The man's father, Les Balkwell, 65, filed some 130 complaints over the police's handling of the case and maintained that his son had been the victim of a murder.
However, an Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) report found eight senior officers made 25 errors involving officers’ actions and decision making during the initial investigation in 2002.
Responding to the report on Monday, Essex police said: "It is clear that there were failings during the course of the investigation and subsequent reviews. Deputy Chief Constable Derek Benson has sent a letter of apology to Lee’s father Les Balkwell and Lee’s partner Lorraine Mitchinson for the failings.
A spokesman for the constabulary said: "In the last nine years since Lee Balkwell’s death, Essex Police’s structure and approach to investigating homicide and unnatural death has changed. The Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate has been formed and the identification, training, mentoring, accreditation and support of Senior Investigating Officers in line with national best practise has been adopted.
"Meanwhile, the criminal investigation into Lee Balkwell’s death continues under the leadership of Det Chief Supt Lee Catling of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate. This investigation will be overseen by Assistant Chief Constable Gary Beautridge, Head of SCD."
The IPCC report said it had not found any evidence of a crime or anything to back up Les Balkwell's other claims of corruption.
An inquest in 2008 returned a verdict of unlawful killing through gross negligence.
(DW)
The initial case involved Lee Balkwell, 33, who was found dead at a farm near South Ockendon on July 18, 2002. He had been found in the moving parts of an industrial cement mixer.
The man's father, Les Balkwell, 65, filed some 130 complaints over the police's handling of the case and maintained that his son had been the victim of a murder.
However, an Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) report found eight senior officers made 25 errors involving officers’ actions and decision making during the initial investigation in 2002.
Responding to the report on Monday, Essex police said: "It is clear that there were failings during the course of the investigation and subsequent reviews. Deputy Chief Constable Derek Benson has sent a letter of apology to Lee’s father Les Balkwell and Lee’s partner Lorraine Mitchinson for the failings.
A spokesman for the constabulary said: "In the last nine years since Lee Balkwell’s death, Essex Police’s structure and approach to investigating homicide and unnatural death has changed. The Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate has been formed and the identification, training, mentoring, accreditation and support of Senior Investigating Officers in line with national best practise has been adopted.
"Meanwhile, the criminal investigation into Lee Balkwell’s death continues under the leadership of Det Chief Supt Lee Catling of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate. This investigation will be overseen by Assistant Chief Constable Gary Beautridge, Head of SCD."
The IPCC report said it had not found any evidence of a crime or anything to back up Les Balkwell's other claims of corruption.
An inquest in 2008 returned a verdict of unlawful killing through gross negligence.
(DW)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 April 2011
British Man Dies In Dubai Police Custody
A British man has died in police custody in Dubai. Lee Bradley Brown, 39, from east London, died on Tuesday after he was taken to a Dubai police station where he was allegedly assaulted and put into a cell. It has been reported that Mr Brown, was arrested over a row at the luxury hotel Burj Al Arab hotel.
British Man Dies In Dubai Police Custody
A British man has died in police custody in Dubai. Lee Bradley Brown, 39, from east London, died on Tuesday after he was taken to a Dubai police station where he was allegedly assaulted and put into a cell. It has been reported that Mr Brown, was arrested over a row at the luxury hotel Burj Al Arab hotel.
29 August 2014
Police Investigating If Woman Was Trying To Save Dog When She Was Hit By Train
British Transport Police investigating the death of a woman have said that she may have been trying to save a dog when she was hit by a train. The 22-year-old woman was struck by a train close to Ainsdale station near Southport, Merseyside at about 15:00 on Wednesday. Transport police said a dog was also found dead at the scene.
Police Investigating If Woman Was Trying To Save Dog When She Was Hit By Train
British Transport Police investigating the death of a woman have said that she may have been trying to save a dog when she was hit by a train. The 22-year-old woman was struck by a train close to Ainsdale station near Southport, Merseyside at about 15:00 on Wednesday. Transport police said a dog was also found dead at the scene.
20 January 2005
Foreign Office to issue death certificates for tsunami missing
The Foreign Office has confirmed that it will issue death certificates for British nationals missing, presumed dead, in the Boxing Day tsunami disaster.
Foreign Office to issue death certificates for tsunami missing
The Foreign Office has confirmed that it will issue death certificates for British nationals missing, presumed dead, in the Boxing Day tsunami disaster.
27 May 2015
Investigation Launches Over Unexplained Death In Humberside
An investigation is underway after a man was found dead from unexplained knife wounds in Humberside. John Keith Smith, 69, was found dead at his home in Carnforth Crescent, Grimsby at approximately 6.30am on 25 May. As the investigation widens, police are treating Mr Smith's death as suspicious yet unexplained.
Investigation Launches Over Unexplained Death In Humberside
An investigation is underway after a man was found dead from unexplained knife wounds in Humberside. John Keith Smith, 69, was found dead at his home in Carnforth Crescent, Grimsby at approximately 6.30am on 25 May. As the investigation widens, police are treating Mr Smith's death as suspicious yet unexplained.
23 September 2014
EHRC To Investigate Met Following Discrimination Case
An investigation has been launched after a tribunal found that the Metropolitan Police deliberately re-wrote an internal report. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has launched its investigation against the force after a tribunal found that PC Carol Howard was discriminated against on the grounds of sex and race.
EHRC To Investigate Met Following Discrimination Case
An investigation has been launched after a tribunal found that the Metropolitan Police deliberately re-wrote an internal report. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has launched its investigation against the force after a tribunal found that PC Carol Howard was discriminated against on the grounds of sex and race.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
