Police criticised after charging man for urinating in cell with no toilet

Police on the Isle of Man have been criticised for how they dealt with a man suffering from complex mental health problems.

They came under fire from the Deputy High Bailiff after putting Martin John Campbell in a police cell with no toilet and then charging him with criminal damage when he urinated.

At Douglas Courthouse the 41-year-old, from Bircham Avenue Close in Ramsey, was given an absolute discharge.

The court heard he'd been arrested on December 17 for his own safety after concerns he was agitated, being aggressive towards himself and hearing voices.

Police contacted the CRISIS team but were told no one was prepared to come out to see him - instead Mr Campbell, who suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, was taken into custody.

His advocate told the court it was at this point Mr Campbell's request to use the toilet was not actioned, adding: "He had no alternative but to relieve himself on the floor."

Releasing Mr Campbell without penalty Jayne Hughes told him: "This is extremely unusual and something that causes me concern."