Mother, 41, died in police cell of alcohol withdrawal

a MOTHER of three who was found collapsed in a police cell died from acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome, an inquest heard yesterday.

Sharon Batey, 41, was in custody at Trafalgar House police station in Bradford on July 8, 2008, after being arrested at her home the previous day for allegedly being drunk in charge of a child under the age of seven.

Bradford Coroner’s Court heard that Miss Batey, of Browning Street, Bradford, suffered from an asthmatic condition and depression and had engaged in self-harm in the past.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

During her time in custody she was seen by four health care professionals and was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary when it was feared she may have been pregnant and suffering a miscarriage.

A urine test showed, however, she was not pregnant and after treatment she was returned to the station and her cell.

Prof Peter Vanezis, who answered questions on the findings detailed in Prof Chris Milroy’s post-mortem report as he was unavailable to attend the hearing, was asked how rare such deaths were.

He said: “Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a well recognised risk factor for someone who has not taken alcohol for a number of hours.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It does occur. I have seen at least three cases of alcohol withdrawal syndrome in similar circumstances over the last two years.”

Consultant forensic physician Dr Jason Payne-James was asked to comment on the overall management of the case.

He told the hearing: “It’s possible that her alcohol withdrawal was inadequately treated.”

He added that Miss Batey had a chronic history of abusing alcohol over a number of years and said alcohol withdrawal could cause death for reasons that were not always obvious.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The doctor told the hearing she was capable of drinking a bottle of vodka a day and the problem had become particularly bad over the previous six years.

He added that Miss Batey was fit to be detained but not fit to be interviewed.

The court heard that when she was initially brought into the custody suite she had been quite loud and very agitated. She had been swaying about and her hand tremor was clearly visible.

A doctor who saw her later, however, described her as polite and co-operative.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

During her time in custody she was prescribed diazepam, which is the frontline treatment for alcohol withdrawal and is given for its physical and psychological effects.

The court heard that in 2008 Miss Batey had been referred to a drug and alcohol programme in Bradford whose counsellors advised her not to suddenly stop drinking alcohol.

The inquest, which is expected to last all week, continues.

Related topics: