THE inquest in to the death of a Crymych man, who died in custody at Haverfordwest police station four years ago, is to start on Monday, January 7.

The inquest, before HM Assistant Coroner Paul Bennett, takes place at County Hall, Haverfordwest, and is expected to last two weeks.

Meirion James died on January 31, 2015 following restraint by police officers at Haverfordwest Police Station.

Mr James, 53, who had a history of bipolar disorder, was detained in Haverfordwest following an incident at an address in Crymych in the early hours of January 31.

He was seen by a police medical examiner and deemed fit to be detained.

While in police custody an incident occurred at around 11am, during which Mr James became unresponsive, and an ambulance was called.

Resuscitation was attempted, but Mr James was pronounced dead at 11.30am at Withybush General Hospital.

Mr James had been detained by Dyfed-Powys Police and taken to Bronglais Hospital, Aberystwyth, the day before his death after being involved in a minor road traffic incident while driving his Fiat Panda car on the A487 road at Llanrhystud.

Mr James’ family is supported by INQUEST, a charity providing expertise on state-related deaths and their investigation.

The inquest is expected to explore a wide range of issues, including: the management of Meirion’s risk by police officers the day on January 30, and their handover to staff at Bronglais Hospital; the treatment of Mr James at Bronglais Hospital on January 30, the management of Meirion’s risk at Haverfordwest Police Station on January 31, the restraint of Mr James on January 31, and the emergency response thereafter; and training of the police officers involved in relevant areas.

Meirion’s sister, Diana Vaughan-Thomas, said on behalf of the family: “We have had to wait four years for this inquest. We hope to learn the truth about Meirion’s death and that, where appropriate, lessons are learnt so that what happened to him doesn’t happen to anyone else.”