Changes should be made to police practices following revelations at a Hove inquest and stern words from the coroner.

Officers at Brighton were told to take Ron Nicholls to hospital after finding him unconscious in Hollingdean, Brighton.

Instead they went on a late-night detour to find themselves some food, delaying their visit to the hospital by half an hour.

Mr Nichols had a serious head injury, immediately spotted by doctors, and died the next day.

Undoubtedly these officers should never have taken the detour even though they failed to realise how ill Mr Nicholls was.

That should not happen again with an unconscious man.

Police also need to ensure that food is available at Brighton police station so hard-pressed officers can have a bite to eat when on night duty.