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Three police officers charged over evidence at Birmingham man's inquest

Three police officers were today charged with perjury and perverting the course of justice following the death of student Kingsley Burrell in custody five years ago.

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Kingsley Burrell

The charges are in connection with evidence given during the inquest into the death of 29-year-old Kingsley Burrell who died while being detained under the Mental Health Act in 2011.

Mr Burrell, 29, from Birmingham, died at the city's Queen Elizabeth Hospital in March 2011, four days after he was detained following a disturbance.

At the inquest into his death last year it was found that restraint had been a factor in his death. It concluded that there had been 'gross failures' and the coroner declared: 'No tragedy like this should ever happen again.'

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) launched a probe after a complaint from the victim's family about the evidence of three West Midlands Police officers during the inquest.

The findings of this investigation were referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions who authorised the charges.

The three officers have been suspended from duty and will appear incourt later this month.

A West Midlands Police statement said: "Three serving West Midlands Police officers have been charged today with perjury and perverting the course of justice.

"The charges are in connection with evidence given during the inquest into the death of Kingsley Burrell. After investigation by the IPCC, the matter was referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions who has authorised the charges.

"Constables Paul Adey, 36, Mark Fannon, 45, and Paul Greenfield, 50, based at Birmingham West and Central, will appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on 31 October.

"The three officers have been suspended today following these charges."

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