Sean Rigg: Officer accused of lying about circumstances of music producer's death to be charged

Sean Rigg, 40, suffered a cardiac arrest at Brixton police station and died after being arrested in 2008

A photograph of Sean Rigg being restrained by police officers which was taken by an eye witness and helped prove that he was held down for at least four minutes

A police officer accused of lying about the circumstances in which a prisoner died in custody will be charged, the Crown Prosecution Service has said.

The move to prosecute Metropolitan Police Sergeant Paul White overturns an earlier decision not to bring charges. The CPS U-turn follows a review under the Victim’s Right to Review scheme.

Sean Rigg died in custody (PA)

PS White was the custody officer at Brixton police station when officers arrested music producer Sean Rigg in August 2008. Mr Rigg, 40, who had been diagnosed with mental health problems, suffered a cardiac arrest and died at the station.

Following the inquest an Independent Police Complaints Commission investigation was carried out. In 2014 the CPS decided there was insufficient evidence to prosecute for any criminal offences. Mr Rigg’s family challenged the decision and Sue Hemming, CPS head of Special Crime said she had reversed it.

The Metropolitan Police said it was inappropriate to comment. PS White had been put on restricted duties, they confirmed.