Young father died by ‘misadventure’

In an inquest lasting almost 5 weeks, Neil Saunders and Heather Oliver represented 5 plain clothed officers who were involved in stopping a vehicle where 25 year old Edir Da Costa was a passenger. At some point, unbeknown to the officers, Mr Da Costa put multiple packets of crack cocaine and heroin into his mouth. Within a short time of exiting the vehicle he was restrained by several of the officers. Soon after, he became unresponsive and medical assistance was called. He was rushed to hospital but only survived for a few days before he died. The jury concluded that he died by misadventure having put 88 wraps of drugs into his mouth. The officers had been granted anonymity by the Coroner due to threats that had been made against them by unknown members of the public following angry protests.

Click here to read the article from the Independent.

13th June 2019