A Cardiff man tragically passed away following a cardiac arrest while in police custody outside his home. The inquest into the death of Leighton Jones, a 30-year-old from Pentwyn, revealed that he had been behaving erratically and was under the influence of cocaine in the early hours of June 19, 2021. According to eyewitness reports, Mr Jones had been visibly disorientated and struggled to perform basic tasks like paying for drinks at a nearby garage. Concerned residents, including Lauren Jones, called the police after hearing Mr Jones screaming loudly outside.
The situation escalated when South Wales Police arrived at the scene and detained Mr Jones, who was reportedly experiencing distressing symptoms. Despite efforts by paramedics to assist him, Mr Jones tragically succumbed to a cardiac arrest. A post-mortem examination identified cocaine toxicity as the probable cause of death, with toxicology reports confirming the presence of elevated levels of cocaine in his system. Mr Jones’ partner, Gemma Martin, described him as a family-oriented individual who had struggled with substance abuse issues in the past.
The inquest revealed that Mr Jones had made efforts to overcome his drug dependency, but a relapse prior to his death raised concerns among his loved ones. South Wales Police self-referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for investigation, as standard protocol in such circumstances. The inquest, conducted before a jury due to the nature of Mr Jones’ death while in police custody, is ongoing to ascertain the full details surrounding the tragic event.
Neighbours of Mr Jones provided statements recounting the distressing events leading up to his passing, shedding light on his struggles and the efforts made to save his life. The community mourns the loss of a beloved member whose life was cut short under tragic circumstances. As the investigation continues, questions remain unanswered, and loved ones seek closure and justice for Mr Jones.
The tragic loss of Leighton Jones serves as a sobering reminder of the impact of substance abuse and the importance of support systems for individuals facing addiction. The community comes together to mourn the passing of a cherished member and advocate for transparency in the investigative process. The inquest proceedings aim to provide clarity and closure for those affected by this heartbreaking incident as they seek to honour the memory of Leighton Jones.