Keeley Middleton spoke out after an inquest into her brother Martin's death in which a coroner said he would be contacting the Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police over his concerns.

Martin, 23, was found hanged at his home in Church Lane, Cross Gates, Leeds a day after he had been detained under the Mental Health Act when officers found a noose and suicide notes at his home.

He was allowed to leave Killingbeck police station after 15 minutes without being assessed by a doctor or social worker.
Speaking after the accidental death verdict, Ms Middleton told the
YEP: "It was the kindest verdict that the jury could have reached under the circumstances but we will always be upset and anger.

"I still think the way he was treated was appalling and disrespectful."
The inquest heard how West Yorkshire Police had changed procedures in the way they dealt with people detained under section 136 of the Mental Health Act following the incident.

In most cases detainees are now taken to hospital rather than a police station.

But West Yorkshire Coroner David Hinchliff insisted he would still be writing to the force calling for officers to have a greater knowledge of their responsibilities when using the act.

Ms Middleton said: "I'm glad to hear that these changes have now been put in place but for Martin it is too little too late.
Respect

"It makes me feel better that someone in Martin's situation will in future not be taken into police custody but instead somewhere like the Becklin Centre, where they will be treated with dignity and respect."

The jury ruled that Mr Middleton's death was accidental as he was not in control of his action due to the high level of illicit substances in his system.

The father-of-one had a long history of depression and self harm.

His sister added: "My brother was a beautiful caring person but had a terrible start in life.

"He wasn't dealt the best hand of cards in life but I am so proud of him and the way he did his best to deal with things.

"I don't feel that justice has been done but more that five years have passed now since this happened and I think Martin would think it was now time to rest in peace."

Assistant Chief Constable John Parkinson, who is responsible for West Yorkshire Police's Professional Standards, said: "My sympathies and thoughts are with Mr Middleton's family and friends at this difficult time and I am sorry for what has happened to him.

"His death in these circumstances is tragic and something we take very seriously.

"I fully acknowledge that police cells are not necessarily the ideal place to detain people with mental health issues.

"Under certain circumstances, it is necessary as a short-term step to ensure the safety and welfare of vulnerable people.

"The circumstances surrounding these events were fully investigated by the Independent Complaints Commission and we have accepted and implemented recommendations to improve the way we assess and care for those who are particularly vulnerable.

"More than five years have now passed since this incident but we not forgotten the important lessons learned from this tragedy.

"Throughout the course of the inquest Mr Middleton's family have acted with dignity and courage and I offer them my sincere condolences on behalf of West Yorkshire Police."