Instructed by Iftikhar Manzoor of Hudgell Solicitors, Trinity's Parissa Najah acted on behalf of the family of 39-year-old “gentle giant” Mr Sam Diatta at an Inquest held at Northallerton Coroner’s Court where a narrative verdict was returned.
Mr Diatta died following an incident at Mappin & Webb jewellery store in Coney Street, York, on 26 July 2022. The Inquest heard that he had experienced mental health difficulties since his teenage years. Four days prior to the fatal incident, he had been discharged from the Minster Ward at Foss Park Hospital, an in-patient adult mental health facility.
On the morning of the incident, the deceased had met with his family for a walk and picnic. Later that afternoon, he entered the Mappin & Webb store in York city centre. Giving evidence at the Inquest, the shop security guard alleged that he was concerned at the deceased's behaviour which he felt was a potential risk to staff and other shoppers. After being asked to leave the shop a verbal altercation took place and the guard was assaulted.
Assisted by three members of the public, the guard attempted to restrain the deceased who was on the floor on his front, in the prone position, for more than seven minutes. Police were called at 4.41pm and arrived five minutes later. When officers entered the store, Mr Diatta was found to be unresponsive. Emergency first aid was administered by police and paramedics before the deceased was taken by ambulance to York District Hospital, where he was subsequently pronounced dead.
Medical evidence presented to the Inquest concluded that Mr Diatta died as a result of hypertensive heart disease, combined with the effects of being restrained. The Inquest also examined the circumstances surrounding his recent discharge from mental health care, as well as concerns raised in the period between discharge and the incident in relation to his deteriorating mental health presentation.
The Coroner recorded a narrative conclusion that Mr Diatta died as a consequence of naturally occurring heart disease combined with the effects of being restrained.
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Parissa is a member of Trinity's Inquests, Civil Liberties & Human Rights, and Judicial Review teams.