A NEWPORT man who died in police custody was only checked hourly despite being detained under the Mental Health Act after trying to harm himself earlier that day, an inquest heard.

Andrew David Sheppard, 22, was found unconscious in his cell at Newport Central Police Station on October 1, 2006 and later pronounced dead.

Mr Sheppard had been detained by police just before 10pm the night before during which time Sergeant Andrew Massaro was acting as one of two custody sergeants.

Giving evidence at Mr Sheppard’s inquest at Gwent Coroner’s Court in Newport yesterday, Sgt Massaro said he had filled out a custody record when Mr Sheppard was brought to the station.

From this he had decided to place Mr Sheppard in an observation cell to be checked hourly, despite Sgt Massaro believing Mr Sheppard was under the influence of alcohol.

Under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, all detainees under the influence of drink and drugs have to be observed every 30 minutes Sgt Massaro said Mr Sheppard had been brought into the police station by PC Matthew Havard who told him Mr Sheppard had attempted to cut himself with glass.

Sgt Massaro was told Mr Sheppard had discharged himself from the Royal Gwent Hospital but was still making threats to harm himself.

Sgt Massaro said he had asked for further information, which was when PC Havard said there was a suggestion that Mr Sheppard had taken drugs but said no detailed circumstances were given.

He said although Mr Sheppard had been drinking and was visibly upset, he did not appear drunk and did not appear to be under the influence of drugs.

He added that when filling out the custody record, he had put Mr Sheppard was not suffering from any mental or physical condition but admitted that he had not been given any training on answering this question.

He said: "That was my personal opinion. He was upset but was showing no signs of mental health. He appeared normal."

He said he made the judgement that Mr Sheppard should be given hourly checks and said that nothing happened throughout the night to make him change his mind.

Proceeding.