Brendan Carl Teague, 46, from North Tyneside, was found hanged in his cell at HMP Garth on October 7 2023, after suffering from anxiety linked to a Covid-19 infection, according to a prisons and probation ombudsman report.
Background to the case
Teague was jailed for 18 years in 2017 for attempting to murder his stepbrother, Anthony Teague. He tricked his way into Anthony's home in North Shields before stabbing him three times in the back, then fled believing he had killed him.
When arrested later that day, Teague expressed surprise and disappointment that his stepbrother was not dead, telling officers he would "do a better job next time". He had a history of attempted suicide, self-harm, substance misuse, and depression with panic attacks.
Covid diagnosis and anxiety
After sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court, Teague was transferred to HMP Garth in Lancashire. In December 2020, he contracted Covid and was hospitalised. The ombudsman report found the diagnosis had a "traumatic impact" on him, leading to anxiety that affected his daily life.
The report noted he received support under suicide and self-harm procedures (ACCT) in May and September 2023, and received one-to-one psychology input. The clinical reviewer concluded that healthcare at Garth was of a reasonable standard and equivalent to community care.
Final days and investigation
Teague told a nurse about his anxiety and depression, admitting he had been struggling and self-isolating. He mentioned that time in ICU after Covid was traumatic, causing hallucinations and paranoid thoughts. He died with unprescribed medication in his system, including olanzapine, mirtazapine, and clonazepam.
A post-mortem concluded death was from hanging. The PPO report concluded Teague hid the extent of his anxiety, and it was reasonable that staff did not identify him as at imminent risk. Since his death, HMP Garth has introduced additional ACCT training and improved quality assurance for ACCT management.
