MORE could have been done to help a vulnerable 21-year-old from the North-East who fell to her death from a balcony after she had been released from custody, the police watchdog said today.

Jenna Latham's family expressed concerns for her welfare while she was held at Byker Police Station, Newcastle, after her arrest for being drunk and disorderly in September 2011.

Hours after her release there was a disturbance at her mothers flat at the Moorings, St Peter's Basin, and as officers arrived, she climbed over the balcony railings and fell 50ft, suffering fatal injuries.

The fall was witnessed by her mother Lynne and a female Pc who was called to the home.

After an appeal by Ms Latham's family, the Independent Police Complaints Commission investigated what happened while she was in custody and as a result, Sergeant Christopher Murray had a finding of misconduct against him and it was decided he should receive management advice.

The IPCC Commissioner for Northumbria Cindy Butts said: "This tragic series of events ended with the death of a young woman with her full life ahead of her.

"More should have been done at Byker police station to help someone who was in a vulnerable state of mind.

"I hope that from the action taken as a result of the IPCC appeal made by Jenna's mother lessons have been learned."

Her family complained that Northumbria Police had not provided medical help to Miss Latham during her detention or carried out an adequate assessment of the risks posed before she was released.

The IPCC upheld that in breach of the force's policies and guidelines Sgt Murray failed to:

  • check the police national computer or ask all the risk assessment questions when Ms Latham arrived in custody
  • obtain medical help during her detention
  • carry out an adequate risk assessment before she was released It was also found that calls to the police station regarding Ms Latham should have been documented on the custody record.

An inquest last month did not find police responsible for Ms Latham's death, but did raise concerns about the care she received while in custody. A verdict of misadventure was recorded.

After the inquest, Deputy Chief Constable Steve Ashman said: "Northumbria Police continues to offer its deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Jenna Latham.

"We acknowledge HM Coroner's verdict which found that none of the officers actions while Jenna Latham was in custody in any way contributed to her death."

After the IPCC announcement, the force added: "The involvement of Northumbria Police leading up to Jenna's death was reported to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) which decided that the forces Professional Standards Department should carry out a local investigation into officer actions.

"As a result of this investigation one officer received management advice."