Police officers face gross misconduct proceedings after death of man in Coventry
63-year-old Jerome Cowan died in hospital after being found unwell in a toilet cubicle at Coventry Central Library in December 2022
Last updated 18th Feb 2026
Three constables and a police community support officer (PCSO) will face gross misconduct proceedings over how they dealt with a vulnerable man found unwell in Coventry.
Jerome Cowan, 63, was discovered on 8th December 2022, unresponsive and reportedly intoxicated in a toilet cubicle in Coventry Central Library and later died in hospital.
West Midlands Police officers who responded removed him from the cubicle and placed him on the floor, but a short time later noticed he did not appear to be breathing.
He was transported to hospital by an ambulance but died shortly after arriving.
A two-week inquest concluded on Monday (February 16th), and ruled that Mr Cowan’s death was alcohol and drug-related.
In their narrative finding, the jury said they did not believe he had a realistic chance for survival but also noted missed opportunities in the level of care provided that may have contributed to his death.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) started their investigation in March 2023, after a conduct referral from West Midlands Police who carried out a review of body worn footage in connection to another matter and raised concerns about Mr Cowan's treatment and care.
The investigation examined whether officers acted in accordance with national and local policies, including in relation to the provision of first aid whether Mr Cowan was treated with respect and dignity; and the fairness and impartiality shown to him given he was homeless and alcohol dependent.
The IOPC found a case to answer for gross misconduct for a PCSO and three constables, with one now serving with Warwickshire Police.
IOPC Director Emily Barry said: “A sad feature of this case is that Mr Cowan had no known next of kin but our sympathies go out to everyone affected by his death, particularly in such a distressing set of circumstances.
“Our inquiries looked at the level of care he received and found potential breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour for alleged failures, amongst others, to provide first aid, treat Mr Cowan in a dignified and respectful manner, and challenge and report colleagues’ behaviour. It will now be for West Midlands Police to organise proceedings for the officers, which will consider the evidence we gathered.”
The officers were interviewed under criminal caution by the IOPC but at the end of their investigation in May 2025 they decided not to pursue charges with the Crown Prosecution Service.