Police in clear over spray case

Police have been cleared for pepper-spraying a man with schizophrenia who died moments afterwards.

Henry Bailey was restrained and sprayed after police were called to his Mangere home after a domestic dispute in February last year.

The Police Conduct Authority investigated the arrest and has found it to be "lawful and justified" and that there was no misconduct or neglect of duty on the part of the officers.

Mr Bailey, 42, who was taking medication for schizophrenia, had assaulted one of his flatmates and left him with a bleeding nose.

Police responded to the flatmate's call and found Mr Bailey pacing, with a "glassy look in his eyes". He attempted to punch one of the officers.

One police officer held pepper spray in front of Mr Bailey and threatened to use it if he did not back off.

When Mr Bailey did charge at the police with his fists clenched the officer used the spray twice.

Mr Bailey resisted handcuffs and was knocked to the ground.

Despite post-mortem results showing the man died of a heart-attack, the story prompted a public call for the use of pepper spray to be reviewed.