The Gareth Myatt Inquest

We recently mentioned the inquest into the death of Gareth Myatt, the 7-stone child who died after being restrained by 3 staff at Rainsbrook Secure Training Centre. The coroner has heard some alarming evidence so far.

There have been at least 4 incidents at Rainsbrook where children reported being unable to breathe when restrained and:

On at least one occasion a child had to be hospitalised and was left with red marks on his neck and blood haemorrhaging in his eyes. On another a young man reported vomiting while being held down. Another was left wearing a neck brace.

This is beyond belief:

The head of a secure establishment where a young person died after being restrained has admitted he is not familiar with guidance on the practice.

John Parker, the director of Rainsbrook Secure Training Centre, told the inquest into the death of Gareth Myatt that he has not read the Physical Control in Care manual, and was not aware of the risks involved.