Man put in handcuffs during epileptic fit

Belfast Telegraph
Jul. 10, 2009

The Police Ombudsman has launched an investigation after claims officers handcuffed a Ballymoney man who was suffering a potentially fatal epileptic attack.

The man’s family believe he was mistaken for a drunk or a drug abuser and claim he sustained nerve damage as a result of being cuffed during the fit.

Melvyn Graham (46) was out walking when he suffered a debilitating seizure in the town a fortnight ago.

His family said they believe Mr Graham — who they describe as “very vulnerable” and said is unable to work, such is the severity of his condition — was forcibly restrained by police and claim he could have died as a result.

A doctor confirmed Mr Graham had sustained nerve damage in one hand and a number of bruises to his upper arms and legs.

As well as the complaint to the Ombudsman, Mr Graham is also contemplating legal action against the PSNI.

His solicitor, Derwin Harvey of Hilary Carmichael’s in Ballymoney, said his client is considering seeking compensation from police.

Mr Graham was out walking along the Frosses Road, close to the Kilraughts Road roundabout.

He said he began to feel dizzy due to the heat and, fearing a seizure, made his way onto a grass verge.

He said he then fell into a semi-conscious state for an unknown period of time. He recalls coming round in the back of an ambulance and trying to ask for help.

Mr Graham said his vision was severely blurred throughout and he was unable to communicate properly. His family have alleged that officers may have confused the seizure with Mr Graham having been drunk or on drugs.

He claims he was told by police officers present that he would be taken to the police station and says he was asked “what have you been taking?”

Ambulance workers treated Mr Graham at the scene before taking him back to his Edward Street home after he refused to go to hospital. Suffering from pain in his arms, Mr Graham attended his GP last Tuesday who immediately referred him to the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine where he was X-rayed and had his arms bandaged.

He has suffered epileptic attacks all his life and has had to be resuscitated on numerous occasions following seizures, his family said.

His sister Mandy Graham (40) said it is vital not to touch her brother when he is having a seizure as the extra stress could, in the worst case, trigger a heart attack.

She added: “To me this whole thing is a disgrace.

“Whenever Melvyn takes a seizure he is completely helpless. We want answers and to make sure this sort of thing cannot happen again.”

A spokesperson for the Police Ombudsman said: “We can confirm that we have received a complaint in relation to an allegation of assault.” The spokesperson was unable to comment further.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said an experienced crew arrived at the scene.

A spokesperson said: “Police assistance is only requested when a person is aggressive or violent.”

A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “Following a request for assistance from the Ambulance Service, police — using minimum force — restrained a person who was suffering from a known medical condition.

“It is understood the ambulance staff later conveyed the man to his home when his condition improved and restraint was no longer required.”

Mandy described her brother as a “gentle giant”, saying he has never been violent while having a fit.