Cell death man called out 'mum' INQUEST: Son 'struggled with police' during arrest.

Byline: Catherine Lillington

A BIRMINGHAM man called out "mummy" as police officers carried him to a cell where he later died, an inquest was told.

WitnessAbidAli saidMichael Powell struggled with six officers as they arrested him for smashing windows and damaging hismother's property. Neighbour Mr Ali, giving evidence at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall yesterday, added that moments earlier he saw an officer with both his knees on Mr Powell.

"There was an officer with a bald head, I remember him with both his knees on Michael," he said.

"He was using his hands to restrain him."

Hugh Davies, representing West Midlands Police, said there was no dispute that Mr Powell was kept on the ground but the only question was how.

He added: "My suggestion is in fact he was being held down."

But Mr Ali said: "I don't think all the force that was used would have been acceptable.

"I would have been very uncomfortable if it was anyone in my family."

Father-of-three Mr Powell, aged 38, died at Thornhill Road Police Station in Handsworth, after he was picked up outside his mother's home in Wilton Road, Lozells, six years ago.

Mr Ali earlier told the hearing he saw Mr Powell being struck by a patrol car and he was taken into a witness protection programme because he felt intimidated.

The hearing heard that, about a week afterMr Powell's death, the police contacted the programme to say there was no longer a need for the service as other witnesses had said the same as Mr Ali at interview.

Mr Ali, his wife Sofia and their three-month-old son were then moved back to their home but he said the police hadmade all the decisions in moving them from "pillar to post".

(Proceeding)

CAPTION(S):

Evidence: Abid Ali saw Michael Powell, inset, being restrained by police.