A FATHER-of-three who died after he was “unlawfully” restrained by the neck lost his life because of a lack of training and a failure to take steps to save him, a report has found.

Paul Reynolds, 38, was held in a prone position for around 11 minutes with a knee to his back after an initial neck hold, an inquest at Suffolk Coroner’s Court recorded.

Jurors, who listened to evidence during a three-week hearing, found that the restraint methods were not “appropriate or proportionate” and that Mr Reynolds had not been physically violent.

He died after he was restrained at a Pontins holiday park in Lowestoft in February 2017.

Gazette: Much missed: Father-of-three Paul Reynolds died after 'excessive' restraint was usedMuch missed: Father-of-three Paul Reynolds died after 'excessive' restraint was used

The inquest heard Mr Reynolds’s partner Carrie Bennett confronted a guest at the holiday park whose daughter had allegedly been “smacking” her son, leading to an altercation.

Speaking after the inquest, Ms Bennett said: “After four years of anguish it is with huge relief and gratitude to this jury that the family and friends of Paul can finally see that the truth has come out of how he met his death.”

In separate Prevention of Future Deaths reports, area coroner Jaqueline Devonish raised concerns with Suffolk Police and Britannia Hotels, the owners of Pontins.

She said the holiday park allowed “unbadged” staff to participate in restraint and criticised staff for failing to “seriously consider” the potential for Mr Reynolds to struggle for air while restrained.

“At no point during the prone restraint was Mr Reynolds placed in the recovery position,” she said.

The coroner also hit out at a lack of clarity over who should take charge of such an incident and over what information should be shared with the police.

In a report to Suffolk Police, the coroner said: “Officers appeared to be under the impression pain or pressure testing to determine whether a person was unconscious or simply asleep was an assault rather than being justifiable in certain circumstances.”

She also said officers failed to control the scene by clearing the area and switching off the music, which would have improved their ability to assess Mr Reynolds’ condition.

Following the inquest, the Independent Office for Police Conduct said two officers will face gross incompetency hearings.

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A Suffolk Police spokesman said: “We acknowledge receipt of the report and the concerns raised by the coroner.

“We are obliged to respond to the coroner regarding this in the first instance, so it would be inappropriate to comment publicly on the specific points until this response has been given, but appropriate action will be taken to address these concerns.

“As stated following the conclusion of the inquest, a review of our first aid training took place and changes were implemented following Mr Reynolds’ death in 2017. These processes continue to be scrutinised and updated where appropriate, in line with the guidance from the College of Policing.

“Suffolk Constabulary is committed to ensuring officers are fully trained to deal with any issues which are likely to arise during the course of their duties.

“Our sympathies remain with Mr Reynolds’ family for their loss.”