THREE Avon and Somerset Police officers have been found guilty of misconduct following a public hearing.

A panel at the force HQ ruled that allegations of gross misconduct against the officers were not proven.

But the panel did find that PCs Stephen Brawley, Ian Bartlett and Nick White had committed misconduct.

But it was decided that no sanctions should be imposed on any of the officers.

The allegations related to the officers’ actions following the arrest of 40-year-old David Fournier D’Albe on Sunday, December 28, 2014, in connection with a fire in Burnham-on-Sea.

He was later charged with being drunk and disorderly and for hindering a member of the fire service.

He was remanded in custody to appear at court two days later, but died in Bridgwater Custody Centre in the early hours of Tuesday, December 30, from natural causes.

The cause of his sudden death is not related to the misconduct proceedings.

The officers were alleged to have not informed custody staff or medical professionals about an incident in which Mr Fournier D’Albe fell and suffered a minor head injury in a holding cell, following his arrest.

PAVA incapacitant spray had been used on Mr Fournier D’Albe during the struggle to restrain him.

The head injury and use of force had also not been recorded.

The minor head injury and the use of PAVA were not contributory factors in his death.

A further misconduct hearing for Custody Sergeant Ian Flower, who was on duty when Mr Fournier D’Albe died, is due to take place tomorrow (October 17).

Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Watson said: “I’d firstly like to renew our heartfelt sympathies to the family of David Fournier D’Albe for their tragic loss.

“These misconduct proceedings resulted from an investigation carried out by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and focussed on how duties and responsibilities were carried out following Mr Fournier D’Albe’s arrest and subsequent detention in custody.

“We fully respect the findings of the panel, led by an independent legally qualified chairman.

“We have comprehensive policies and procedures in place governing how we deal with people detained in our custody centres, all of which adhere to the College of Policing’s Authorised Professional Practice.

“Following this incident, we’ve continued to provide training, guidance and facilities that prioritise the safety of people in custody.

“The training provided has included information to assist officers and staff in conducting effective risk assessments for people in custody and how to identify and respond to detainee vulnerabilities.

“Independent custody visitors regularly visit our force custody centres as part of our aim of being as open and transparent as possible.

"They are able to observe, comment and report on conditions of people who have been detained and are authorised to check on their welfare and custodial arrangements.”