A disciplinary hearing concluded on Thursday, July 10, that allegations against PCs Justin Hulf and Mara Sow, both from the Met’s South Area Command Unit, were not proven.
The hearing was ordered by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after the Met initially disagreed with its assessment that the officers had a case to answer for gross misconduct.
The case related to the death of 30-year-old Mikias Tekeste, who was arrested on July 15 2023 after being identified as wanted on recall to prison.
During the arrest, he discarded a quantity of class A drugs before being searched and placed in a police van for transport to Croydon custody.
While in the van, Mr Tekeste removed two small packages from his trousers and swallowed them, but the officers did not see him doing so.
At the custody suite, he reported withdrawal symptoms and tested positive for cocaine and opiates.
He was further arrested for possession with intent to supply and placed on 30-minute observations.
He later became seriously unwell in his cell, suffering multiple seizures before falling unconscious.
Paramedics were called and he was taken to hospital, but he died from cocaine toxicity.
As with all deaths in custody, the matter was referred to the IOPC.
Its investigation found the officers’ search of Mr Tekeste to be appropriate but concluded that supervision in the van was inadequate.
It directed that a gross misconduct hearing be held.
The disciplinary panel ultimately found the officers had acted properly.
Mr Tekeste had concealed his actions and the officers’ risk assessment and level of observation were appropriate based on the information they had.
Detective Chief Superintendent Nick Blackburn, head of policing in the area, said: “Our officers have a clear duty of care to those in their custody. However, Mr Tekeste was responsible for his actions that day and knowingly swallowed drugs.
“The hearing has found that the officers with him in the police van that day acted appropriately.
“Our thoughts remain with Mr Tekeste’s family and friends for their loss.”
