Sean Cregg trial at the Old Bailey
A custody nurse accused of gross negligence manslaughter following the death of a detainee has told a jury he wishes he had done more during his clinical assessment. Sean Cregg, 37, denies the charges brought against him after 38-year-old William Cameron died of a drug and alcohol-induced heart attack in a cell at Loddon Valley police station on January 8, 2020. Mr. Cameron had collapsed in Reading town centre before being taken into custody, where he later died.
Disputed medical assessments in custody
During his testimony at the Old Bailey, Mr. Cregg described his examination of the detainee. He told jurors that he had observed Mr. Cameron breathing, reacting to light, and possessing a strong pulse, leading him to believe the man was “being obstructive” rather than suffering a medical emergency.
Prosecutor Zoe Johnson KC challenged this assessment, noting that Mr. Cameron had given a “P” response—indicating pain—when his trapezius muscles were squeezed. While Mr. Cregg maintained that a “P” response could be a reassuring sign in a custody setting, Ms. Johnson argued that this approach was “extremely dangerous.” She asserted that a healthcare professional must treat the patient currently in front of them, noting that in a hospital environment, such a response would have triggered immediate concern.
Police and agency involvement since 2020
The charges against Mr. Cregg followed a long-term investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct and the Crown Prosecution Service, which resulted in the nurse being charged in May 2025, according to Nursing Times. While a police sergeant was also referred to the Crown Prosecution Service during the investigation, the service confirmed no further individuals were charged in connection with the case.
Mr. Cregg, who trained in Dublin, was suspended from the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s register in June 2025. The trial, which began on October 1, 2026, is expected to last up to six weeks.
Common questions regarding the custody death trial
What are the specific charges against Sean Cregg?
Mr. Cregg is charged with gross negligence manslaughter and an alternative offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act. He has entered a plea of not guilty to both charges.
How did the nurse justify his initial assessment of the patient?
Mr. Cregg testified that he relied on information provided by police officers and his own past experiences with detainees who had “pretended to be unconscious.” He stated that he took the officers’ accounts at face value and believed at the time that the detainee was intoxicated.
What happens next in the legal proceedings?
The trial is continuing at the Old Bailey before Mrs Justice Thornton. Jurors are currently hearing evidence regarding the medical observations made during the night of January 8, 2020.
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