Two police officers have been dismissed without notice for gross misconduct following the death of Stephen Reardon, who died after being arrested and taken into custody in Cornwall last year, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed.
Pc Grant Mackenzie and Pc Dean Hunkin, both of Devon & Cornwall Police, faced a disciplinary panel accused of breaching standards in relation to their duties and responsibilities towards Mr Reardon. The panel ruled their actions amounted to gross misconduct.
Mr Reardon, 38, was arrested on July 13, 2023, in St Austell on suspicion of driving while unfit through drink or drugs and failing to provide a breath sample. He was handcuffed and placed in the back of a police van for the journey to Newquay Police Station, but became unwell during the trip. Officers administered first aid in the station yard, and he was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The IOPC launched an independent investigation after the force made an immediate referral. This week’s misconduct hearing concluded that Pc Mackenzie should be dismissed without notice, while Pc Hunkin would have been dismissed had he still been a serving officer. Both will be added to the College of Policing Barred List, preventing them from working in policing again.
Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew expressed sympathy to Mr Reardon’s family and said the officers had “undermined public trust and confidence” and failed in their duties. He added that due to the forthcoming inquest, it would be inappropriate to comment further.
