From the Guardian · · 2m
Banker's death after police investigation into Putney pusher
Family of Nicholas Brandram says he took his own life under pressure from a Met police investigation they claim lacked evidence.
In brief
Family of Nicholas Brandram says he took his own life under pressure from a Met police investigation they claim lacked evidence. A senior banker arrested in connection with a nearly decade-old assault case died by suicide after months under investigation, with his family arguing police pursued him without credible…
Banker found dead after arrest
Nicholas Brandram, 44, a senior director at HSBC, was found unresponsive at his Chiswick home on Tuesday evening. He had been arrested in June in connection with a 2017 incident on Putney Bridge.
The Putney Bridge incident
In 2017, a jogger shoved a woman headfirst into the path of an oncoming bus on Putney Bridge. Brandram was arrested in June on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm in connection with the incident.
Family denies involvement
Brandram's family said there was no forensic evidence linking him to the incident, no evidence he was on Putney Bridge at the time, and no credible evidence he was the man in footage. They claim the evidence proved the opposite.
“There was no forensic evidence linking Nick to it, no evidence placing him on Putney Bridge at that time, and no credible evidence that he was the man shown in the footage.”
Police arrested without invitation
Rather than inviting Brandram for interview, police arrested him and searched his home. The Met press team then released information that led to media speculation and his identification in reporting.
Months of pressure and stigma
Brandram was left carrying the stigma of the allegation for months. His family said they repeatedly asked police to end the investigation and warned them about its impact on his mental health, but it continued.
“He lived with the shame, anxiety, humiliation and extraordinary pressure created by a wholly unnecessary investigation.”
Family blames police pressure
Brandram's family said he took his own life after months of immense pressure caused by the Metropolitan police investigation. They claim the investigation was wholly unnecessary and unsupported by evidence.
“As a result, Nick is dead.”
Police watchdog opens review
The Independent Office for Police Conduct confirmed it received a mandatory referral from the Met police relating to prior contact with Brandram. The watchdog is assessing the referral to decide if further action is needed.
Who was Nicholas Brandram
Brandram was a senior relationship manager at HSBC Private Bank and a former military captain. He was a single father to a three-year-old and was related to Princess Katherine of Greece through Queen Victoria's line.
The bottom line
A senior banker arrested in connection with a nearly decade-old assault case died by suicide after months under investigation, with his family arguing police pursued him without credible evidence.
