Reading police station nurse cleared over detainee death

Following the acquittal, Cameron’s sister Patricia said: “Willie’s death has changed our family forever. He was the best big brother. He was kind, loving and protective. His death has left a space in our lives that can never be filled.

“For almost seven years, we have had to carry our grief while living with so much uncertainty and unanswered questions. The long wait and uncertainty have taken a terrible toll on our whole family.

“Today’s verdict has left me devastated, but it cannot lessen my love for Willie or my determination for truth, accountability and real change.

“What frightens me most is that, meanwhile, another vulnerable person like Willie may not be kept safe in police custody.”

Thames Valley Police made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following Cameron’s death, whose investigation led to Cregg’s charges.

A gross misconduct hearing was also held in January for Sgt Laura Murray, who was present in the custody suite when Cameron was under arrest, and former PC Leon Cunningham, who transported him to custody.

They were both found to have breached standards of professional behaviour.

The IOPC said custody sergeant Murray wrongly authorised Cameron’s detention, and failed to ensure checks were carried out properly to reassess him or request medical assistance when he had not been roused for four hours.

Cunningham failed to recognise Cameron needed urgent medical attention or take him straight to hospital as soon as he presented as unresponsive, and did not ask him if he had taken any drugs or accurately pass on information, it said.

In February former detention officer Jack Camp also faced disciplinary proceedings relating to the “acceptable level of diligence to cell checks and to raise concerns over Mr Cameron’s health”.

Murray was dismissed without notice and placed on the College of Policing’s barred list. Cunningham and Camp, who were also placed on the list, would also have been dismissed if still serving, the panel said.