October 3, 2025
Reeves v Commr of Police [1999] UKHL 35
A man, identified as a known suicide risk, committed suicide in police custody. The House of Lords held the police were liable for breaching their duty of care. The deceased's deliberate act of suicide did not break the chain of causation. Facts Martin Lynch, who had a history of suicide attempts, was arrested and taken to Leman Street police station. He was seen by a doctor who noted in the custody record that he was a suicide risk. The custody officer also recognised this risk. Despite this, Mr Lynch was placed in a cell where the flap of the door
