THAMES Valley Police (TVP) has apologised to the family of a man who took his own life in Woodley, after one of its officers disposed of a note he had written before his family had a chance to read it.
The family of Anthony Frank Wootton, 74, who died at his home in Hearn Road, Woodley, were eager to read what he had written in his letter before he took his own life on June 21.
But they were denied that chance after officers at TVP seized the note, found close to Mr Wootton’s body, and disposed of it before the coroner had a chance to examine it.
Speaking at the inquest into Mr Wootton’s death, held at Reading Town Hall on Thursday, November 9, the Chief Coroner for Berkshire, Peter Bedford, said TVP’s actions were ‘unforgivable’.
A spokesperson for TVP said it was ‘normal procedure’ for officers to secure evidence at the scene of an unexplained death, such as a note, and to then make it available for the inquest.
The spokesperson said: “Thames Valley Police is satisfied the immediate investigation into this tragic death was conducted appropriately.
“However in September, the officer in the case made some incorrect assumptions; firstly the inquest hearing had already been concluded then allowed the disposal of the note as it was no longer required.
“These actions did not adhere to the professional standards that Mr Wootton’s family, Berkshire Coroner Peter Bedford, the public, nor Thames Valley Police expects.”
The Local Police Commander for Bracknell & Wokingham, Superintendent Shaun Virtue said the incident was being investigated.
He called the incident ‘an extremely rare mistake’.
Supt Virtue said: “I would like to express my sincere apologies on behalf of Thames Valley Police for the upset this situation has caused to Mr Wootton’s family and friends.
“I am aware of the sensitivity and gravity such unexpected deaths cause loved ones and so appreciate their disappointment, and I have written to them personally to express our apologies.
“I have provided an apology to the Coroner; reassuring Mr Bedford that police will use the lessons learned from this situation to avoid a reoccurrence.
“Police officers have a responsibility to report and present the circumstances of any unexplained death to the Coroner. It is imperative this is both comprehensive and preserves the relevant evidence for the inquest. This was an extremely rare mistake but remains very disappointing for all concerned.
“A review of this incident and the officer’s actions is being conducted currently by Thames Valley Police.”
