Inquest to be held into death of disabled man, 93, after being pepper sprayed by police at St Leonards care home
A pre-inquest hearing has been held into the death of a 93-year-old disabled man who was pepper sprayed in a St Leonards care home by police.
The hearing was held on Wednesday (September 23) in Lewes.
Donald Burgess was taken to hospital following the incident on June 21, 2022, at Park Beck care home after police said officers attended the home following a report that a resident had a knife and was threatening staff.
The 93-year-old died in hospital three weeks after the incident at the care home.
In May 2025, Sussex Police said two police officers were acquitted by a jury of assault in connection to their use of force on Mr Burgess.
Police said PC Stephen Smith, 50, and PC Rachel Comotto, 34, were charged with assaulting Mr Burgess in June 2022.
A Sussex Police spokesperson said at the time that a jury acquitted PC Smith of two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) and PC Comotto of one count of ABH on May 28, 2025 at Southwark Crown Court.
Police said the use of force by the police officers included a Taser, PAVA spray, handcuffs, and a baton.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it carried out an investigation into the alleged use of force.
It said Mr Burgess had one leg and was wheelchair-bound.
Mr Burgess' family was represented by Bhatt Murphy Solicitors at Wednesday's pre-inquest hearing.
The firm said a full inquest is likely to take place on December 15.
A police spokesperson said: “Our sincere condolences remain with the family of Donald Burgess following their loss.
“Sussex Police will continue to fully support the ongoing coronial process, and it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”