Skip to main content
Jury rules Rashan Charles's death in police custody an accident
His family brand the inquest into his death a ‘farce’

THE INQUEST into the death of Rashan Charles was branded a “farce” today after a jury found his death after being detained by police was an accident.

Mr Charles, 20, died in hospital in the early hours of July 22 last year shortly after he was chased by an officer into a shop in east London, tackled to the ground and restrained.

A “golf ball-sized” package, later found to contain a mixture of caffeine and paracetamol, was removed from his throat by paramedics who attended the scene.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
SLAUGHTER OF THE INNOCENT: At Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis Baraa Heikal mourns over the body of his brother Fadi Heikal, killed in an Israeli strike, May 10 2026
Policing / 14 May 2026
14 May 2026

The Met Police's refusal to act against British nationals accused of war crimes in Gaza is a green light for Israel's genocide, writes CLAUDIA WEBBE

HISTORY MADE: A plaque at the Old Bailey dedicated to the case of William Penn and William Mead — and the jury who acted on their conscience
Features / 2 September 2025
2 September 2025

The heroism of the jury who defied prison and starvation conditions secured the absolute right of juries to deliver verdicts based on conscience — a convention which is now under attack, writes MAT COWARD

A woman is led away by police officers as supporters of Palestine Action take part in a mass action in Parliament Square, Westminster, central London, August 9, 2025
Activism / 13 August 2025
13 August 2025

Thousands expected to attend next protest against Palestine Action ban, organisers say