'Attack victim' dies 10 days after being taken ill in custody

The Independent Police Complaints Commission yesterday said it was investigating how North Yorkshire Police dealt with Mark Rimmington, who died in hospital after being initially taken ill in custody.

Mr Rimmington, from Leeds, was arrested on suspicion of drink driving at about 6am on Saturday May 15 and taken to Scarborough Police Station.

The 43-year-old, who had three passengers in the vehicle, had been staying at a camp site near Whitby. Officers who stopped his vehicle spotted he had a number of injuries to his face.

Mr Rimmington's condition deteriorated and he became seriously ill that night in the police station. He was taken to Scarborough Hospital where he was diagnosed with bleeding on his brain. He died in hospital on Wednesday.

Three days after Mr Rimmington was detained, police charged Richard Taylor, 39, from the Cross Green area of Leeds, with causing Mr Rimmington grievous bodily harm with intent.

Taylor was remanded in custody following an appearance at Scarborough Magistrates' Court on May 19.

IPCC Commissioner Nicholas Long said: "This investigation will be examining Mr Rimmington's arrest and period in custody to determine whether he was afforded the appropriate level of care."

Steve Read, head of professional standards at North Yorkshire Police, said officers had voluntarily informed the IPCC about the case the day after Mr Rimmington was taken to hospital. "The commission will now undertake an independent examination of the circumstances which led up to the man becoming unwell and his transfer to hospital," he said.

North Yorkshire Police are conducting a separate criminal investigation into how Mr Rimmington sustained his injuries at the Broadings Farm camp site, near Whitby, overnight between May 14-15.

Det Chief Insp Nigel Costello renewed appeals for witnesses yesterday. He said:"I am still appealing for people who were staying at the Broadings camp site on either Friday May 14 or Saturday May 15 to come forward and speak to the police. Even the smallest piece of information could be crucial.

"Our thoughts are with Mr Rimmington's family at this very difficult time."

He asked anyone with information to contact police on 0845 6060247, quoting reference 12100078588, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Mr Rimmington's death has led to his brother, a lawyer accused of making profits with inside information about a biotech firm, being discharged from the dock on Thursday.

Andrew Rimmington, 40, and another lawyer, were alleged to have made at least 40,000 after investing in a drug company just days before a takeover bid was announced.

He had been standing trial at Southwark Crown Court in London, but Judge Peter Testar ruled the case against him would not continue for now after the death of his brother.

The judge added: "I should make it absolutely plain there is no suggestion it has anything to do with Mr Rimmington, but it concerns him as it is his brother who has died."