AN INQUEST jury has criticised the first aid skills of police in Swindon after a man died in custody.

Wiltshire Constabulary has stepped up training in resuscitation techniques after the death of father-of-three Colin Holcombe.

Several changes have also been introduced at the custody suite at Westlea police station, where Mr Holcombe died in December 2003.

Following the death, an investigation was launched by the Avon and Somerset Constabulary and the Independent Police Complaints Commission, which identified a number of shortcomings.

They recommended 13 changes to the way staff deal with prisoners, especially drunk.

These include better CCTV and more detailed notekeeping.

Officers must also rouse prisoners every half an hour to ensure they have not become unconscious.

The inquest in Trowbridge heard that on one occasion such a check was not made on Mr Holcombe, who was extremely drunk when he was arrested for attacking his wife.

The ten-strong jury returned what is known as a narrative verdict.

This is a new option which allows jurors to elaborate on how a death occurred.

They found Mr Holcombe, a digger-driver from Faringdon, probably died from an infection which caused his throat to swell up, blocking his airway.

The inquest heard how Mr Holcombe collapsed in his cell after complaining of breathing difficulties and a severe sore throat. He stopped breathing, and officers performed emergency first aid.

An on-call doctor arrived, but he didn't have experience of using the station's defibrillator. Paramedics were called, but all efforts failed.

Speaking after the hearing, Wiltshire's Assistant Chief Constable, Peter Vaughan, said: "On behalf of Wiltshire Police, I would like to offer my heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Colin Holcombe for their tragic loss."

He acknowledged that errors had been made. "We have made changes to the working practices employed within all our custody suites and have ensured that a re-write of custody procedures has recognised the recommendations of the investigation team.

"Additional training has been given to all staff working in custody suites in Wiltshire."

Officers on duty at the time may face disciplinary procedures.

Tamash Lal