A philosophy professor who placed a suspected car thief in a headlock to prevent him from driving away has been cleared of any wrongdoing. An inquest concluded that the man's death was accidental, resulting from a cardiac arrest linked to drug use and physical exertion.
Incident Overview
Daniel Smith, 35, died after a chaotic series of events that began with a police pursuit through the Devon countryside. The inquest heard that Smith was fleeing from four police officers attempting to arrest him for an unrelated burglary when he ran through gardens in Axminster, Devon, on a hot July morning in 2022.
Smith leapt over walls, forced his way through barbed wire and hedges, and ended up in just his shorts and trainers. He first attempted to steal a Volvo from an elderly couple's garden but could not drive it as the keys were missing. He then ran to a nearby home belonging to Geoff Thame, where he grabbed keys from an unlocked annex and climbed into a silver Vauxhall Astra around 10:30 am.
The Professor's Actions
The vehicle belonged to Geoff's son, Dr. Charlie Thame, a philosophy professor working in Thailand. Dr. Thame headed for the car and got into the passenger seat, with his legs remaining outside as Smith reversed. Moments later, the Astra crashed into a gatepost.
Dr. Thame described Smith, who was taller and larger, as like a 'trapped wild animal.' He told the court that Smith attempted to punch him, grab his testicles, and repeatedly reached toward his waistband, leading Dr. Thame to fear he was reaching for a knife. The professor attempted to drag Smith from the car, punching him on the nose before his arm slipped under Smith's armpit and into a headlock. Smith suddenly stopped struggling, and a neighbor screamed. Dr. Thame stated, 'The neighbor said the man was unconscious. I released him immediately.'
Inquest Findings
Senior Devon coroner Philip Spinney concluded that Smith's death was accidental, caused by an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest linked to acute behavioral disturbance and cocaine use, with significant physical exertion and restraint contributing more than minimally. He praised Dr. Thame's actions as courageous and in self-defense to protect himself, his family, and the community.
The coroner noted that Dr. Thame may have restrained Smith for 'no longer than one minute and 45 seconds and probably a shorter period,' adding that 'he released him as soon as he realized he was unconscious.' Post-mortem evidence showed no excessive force was used by Dr. Thame.
Drug Use and Medical Evidence
Smith had taken a combination of drugs, including cocaine and ketamine, before the incident. Home Office forensic pathologist Dr. Amanda Jeffery testified that the neck hold 'more than minimally contributed to the cardiac arrest occurring when it did.' She stated that the drugs caused both physiological and behavioral effects leading to the theft attempt.
Dr. Thame disputed the suggestion of excessive restraint, insisting it was 'not an excessive length of time.' Unlawful killing was ruled out. Mr. Spinney said Dr. Thame acted in self-defense, adding, 'There is no criticism of Charlie Thame.'
Witness Accounts
Smith was pulled from the Astra by those at the scene, who performed chest compressions. Dr. Thame strongly denied claims that he placed his knee on Smith's neck, calling it 'a complete misrepresentation and fabrication.' He also disputed repeatedly punching Smith, stating he feared Smith would drive toward his father, leaving him at risk of serious injury or death. He said, 'If I had not done what I did, my father would not be sitting here today. My actions were entirely justifiable at the time and in hindsight.'
His father, Geoff Thame, described the events as 'a bit surreal,' noting Smith looked 'wild, very agitated, wide-eyed and frothing at the mouth. He was bouncing like a kangaroo.' Geoff admitted he retrieved a gun from a cabinet but returned to find Smith unconscious. Neighbor Deborah Day previously claimed Dr. Thame put his knee on Smith's neck, but Geoff disputed this, saying his son's feet were still outside the car. Mrs. Day later stated that Dr. Thame's actions may have saved her own life.
Police Pursuit
The incident began when officers from Avon and Somerset Police traveled to the Devon-Dorset border to arrest Smith for a burglary in Yeovil, Somerset. Smith was located at a service station in Axminster and blocked in by two vehicles. He escaped on foot, jumping over a wall, sparking the pursuit that ended in tragedy. Detective Constable Sharon Moore of Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that Dr. Thame was interviewed and released with no further action taken against him.
