A MAN who died in police custody after officers used pepper spray on him cried for help minutes before he stopped breathing, an inquest has heard. Jacob Michael, 25, of Widnes, died on August 22, 2011, after collapsing at Runcorn Custody Suite. The inquest, which began in Daresbury today , will hear from more than 50 witnesses including police, medics and neighbours. The jury, of eight women and two men, watched CCTV of the minutes leading up to Mr Michael’s death. Footage showed Mr Michael being chased, arrested and then put into a police van yards from his home in Lacey Street, near Widnes Fire Station. Cheshire Coroner Nicholas Rheinberg told the jury officers used pepper spray on him inside his own bedroom after he allegedly threatened them with a hammer. Cameras from a cell inside the van showed Jacob distressed, out of breath and repeatedly crying out “please”. When the van arrived at the custody suite in Manor Park, an officer was heard saying: “Are you going to behave yourself. Stand up, I’m not carrying you.” Two officers were then seen carrying him into a holding area by his arms. Within minutes he collapsed and died, despite attempts by a nurse, police officers and paramedics to revive him. There was less than an hour between him arriving home and not responding to CPR. This afternoon the jury was taken to see Jacob’s home, the scene of the arrest outside the fire station and the custody suite to see the cell where he died. The hearing continues tomorrow, when Mr Michael’s mother, Christine, is expected to give evidence. Mr Rheinberg told the jury they must determine if witnesses are telling the truth. He said: “It will be necessary to look at the possibility of deficiencies in Jacob’s care. “It may be necessary to determine if any force used was reasonable and lawful. “You are the sole judges of the facts. It is your decision that counts.” He also said Mr Michael had taken cocaine the weekend before his death. The inquest is expected to last for four to five weeks. | 
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