Police officer will not face criminal charges over death of 'funny and generous' man, 37, after being restrained and arrested by police
An officer involved in the restraint and arrest of a 37-year-old man who died a short time later will not face criminal charges, the police watchdog has said.
The officer will face gross misconduct proceedings in connection with the arrest of Roberto Villa, who died in hospital after becoming unresponsive during the incident at the Edgerton Hotel, on New North Road, in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, in December 2018.
Five other officers have misconduct cases to answer in connection with the incident, the Independent Office for Police Conduct said.
An officer involved in the restraint and arrest of 37-year-old Roberto Villa who died a short time later will not face criminal charges, the police watchdog has said
The IOPC launched an investigation into the conduct of the six West Yorkshire Police officers and passed a file to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider criminal charges in relation to one of the officers.
On Tuesday, an IOPC spokesman said the CPS had confirmed it will not be authorising any charges.
The spokesman said the investigation found that the officer had a case to answer for gross misconduct for alleged breaches of the standards of professional behaviour in relation to use of force and duties and responsibilities.
The other five officers had cases to answer for misconduct in relation to their duties and responsibilities, the IOPC said.
The officer will face gross misconduct proceedings in connection with the arrest of Roberto Villa, who died in hospital after becoming unresponsive during the incident at the Edgerton Hotel, on New North Road, in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, in December 2018 (file image)
Miranda Biddle, IOPC regional director, said: 'This was a tragic case that resulted in the death of a man and our thoughts remain with his family.
'It has been a long road to get to this point and I understand how difficult it must be for them.'
Ms Biddle added: 'While this officer will face no criminal action in relation to the force used during Mr Villa's restraint, it remains our view that a misconduct hearing is needed so that his actions can be properly scrutinised in a public forum.
'We also await misconduct meetings for the other officers.
'The evidence we have gathered as part of this process will also be made available to the coroner and will ultimately play an important role in ensuring Mr Villa's family get the answers they deserve at the inquest.'
Five other officers have misconduct cases to answer in connection with the incident, the Independent Office for Police Conduct said (file image)
Speaking about Villa back in 2018, close friend Kelly Wilson, 29, said: 'He was the funniest, most caring person and he was so generous and so loving. All he wanted was to be loved and to around people.'
Mr Villa had previously worked at the Turtle Bay restaurant in the town centre but had recently been treated for mental health difficulties following the death of his mother.
Miss Wilson said that when he came out of hospital he didn't leave her side.
'This was a generous guy who came across as 'hyper' which was due to his mental health. He was lovely, with such a good heart.
'He called all his female friends 'princess' and he treated us all like one too.'