Lithuanian shoplifter, 43, died after being held face down for more than 30 minutes by Sainsbury’s security guards, inquest hears

• Ramunas Paskauskas was held down by security after becoming aggressive
• Sainsbury’s staff who had no training in the technique also assisted security

A shoplifter who was held face down at a branch of Sainsbury’s for more than 30 minutes died of injuries sustained during his detention, an inquest heard.

Ramunas Paskauskas, 43, was held by two security officers in a training room at the supermarket in Spalding, but he became confused about what was happening due to a language barrier.

When Mr Paskauskas started being threatening and aggressive, in part due to the alcohol he had consumed, he was restrained on the floor.

The inquest at the Myle Cross Centre, in Lincoln, heard the guards, who had little training in restraint, lowered him to the floor but he continued to be aggressive and so they restrained him in a prone position, face down.

They were then assisted by Sainsbury’s staff who had no training in the technique at all.

Ramunas Paskauskas, 43, died after being detained by two security officers in a training room at the Sainsbury’s in Spalding (pictured)

The supermarket guards (stock image), who had little training in restraint, lowered Mr Paskauskas to the floor and restrained him in a prone position, face down

Mr Paskauskas’ health deteriorated and he died at Lincoln County Hospital. The medical cause of death was multi-organ hypoxic/ischaemic injury, respiratory and cardiac arrests and restraint in the prone position.

A jury which considered the evidence during the inquest last week reached a conclusion of death by misadventure.

The jury foreman said: ‘On January 8, 2019, Ramunas Paskauskas was detained for attempted theft at Sainsbury’s store in Spalding. The detention was within a training room at the store.

‘During the detention Mr Paskauskas became erratic and his behaviour escalated to become threatening and aggressive, exacerbated by the alcohol consumed and his confusion over the situation and language barrier.

‘The two security persons applied restraint, lowering Mr Paskauskas to the ground, however, his conduct remained aggressive and he was then retrained in the prone position, face down.

‘Up to three Sainsbury’s parties assisted in the restraint. There was a total period of restraint in the prone position of greater than 30 minutes.

‘Whilst restraint was provided in a manner to counter the resistance being displayed by Mr Mr Paskauskas, the security team had little training and experience of applying physical restraint or recognising the risks associated. The Sainsbury’s persons had no training in these matters.’

They added: ‘The deceased died as a result of the injuries sustained during this restraint period. The deceased met his death on January 8, 2019 at Lincoln County Hospital, Greetwell Road, Lincoln.’ Mr Paskauskas was born in Lithuania on April 27, 1975 and was living in Spalding at the time of the incident.

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: ‘We supported the police and coroner on this matter and acknowledge that this case has now concluded. Our thoughts are with Mr Paskauskas’ friends and family.’

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