93-Year-Old Dementia Patient Dies After Police Taser Incident
Two police officers have been charged with causing actual bodily harm following the death of Donald Burgess, a 93-year-old dementia sufferer with one leg. The grim episode unfolded at Park Beck care home in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex.
Chaos at Care Home: Elderly Man Tasered and Pepper-Sprayed
Burgess, confined to a wheelchair, was reportedly threatening staff with a knife when police arrived. Officers responded with pepper spray, baton strikes, and eventually a Taser when he refused to drop the blade. Though he was disarmed and handcuffed, his health quickly worsened, leading to his hospitalisation. The pensioner later died three weeks after the incident, in July 2022.
Two Officers Face Charges After IOPC Probe
Sussex Police referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), sparking a thorough investigation. Now, PC Stephen Smith, 50, faces two counts of causing actual bodily harm (ABH), while PC Rachel Comotto, 34, is charged with one count. Both officers are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in April.
“Our thoughts remain with Mr Burgess’s family,” said IOPC director Mel Palmer. “This investigation was conducted closely with Sussex Police and the Coroner. The decision to lay charges followed a rigorous review of the evidence.”
Family and Neighbours Remember a Kind-Hearted Gentleman
Burgess’s relatives expressed shock and horror at his death. They described him as a devoted husband to his late wife Ethel and a man who lived a blameless life. His health declined significantly after her passing, prompting his move to the care home.
Neighbours recalled Burgess as a friendly and kind soul who battled diabetes, a condition that led to the amputation of his leg.
The April 24 court case promises to reveal the full story behind this tragic death and the police conduct at its centre.
