Accusations gross police negligence led to the death in custody of an intoxicated man

Three Hawera officers are on trial at the High Court in New Plymouth, over Allan Ball's death in a cell in 2019.

The Crown claims a lack of medical attention was a factor in his death... which allegedly amounts to manslaughter.

Ball was arrested after a family harm incident - and fell asleep in the police car.

Herald Reporter Belinda Feek says he had alcohol, codeine and tramadol in his system - and couldn't be woken.

She says officers checked on Ball - but he was in his cell for up to two and a half hours before an ambulance was called.