“As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate,” the spokesperson added.

“Family man” Lynch, who had suffered a heart attack earlier in the year and had also been diagnosed with diabetes, had gone to the hotel to protest against immigration, his defence barrister said.

He had “a general conspiracy theory against anyone and any form of authority”, and had taken a placard referencing the “deep state” and space agency Nasa.

Video played to the court showed Lynch “revving up” the situation before it turned violent and calling the police “scum”, the judge said.