Dylan Woodhead, a 22-year-old prisoner, was found dead in his cell at HMP Hindley in Greater Manchester on January 8, 2021, only 10 days after being transferred from HMP Forest Bank in Salford. A report by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman revealed he was able to obtain drugs behind bars with 'apparent ease' and was not properly monitored the night before his death.
Ombudsman report details drug access and monitoring failures
The report, published following an investigation into the tragedy, stated that a post-mortem examination confirmed Woodhead had consumed 'psychoactive substances' before his death. Ombudsman Adrian Usher said: 'Although this was not found to have caused his death, psychoactive substances are known to affect mental health adversely. I am concerned that Mr Woodhead was able to obtain psychoactive substances with apparent ease at Hindley, even though strict restrictions had been put in place during the Covid 19 lockdown.'
Usher also highlighted concerns over roll call checks, noting that Woodhead was not inspected by an officer the night before he was discovered dead. He added: 'I am concerned that roll checks were not properly completed the night and morning before Mr Woodhead was found dead in his cell. I cannot say whether this might have affected the outcome for him.'
Background and previous prison concerns
Woodhead, a carpenter and father who played rugby for Wigan-based side Ince Rose Bridge, had been in custody for three months when he died. He was held on remand at HMP Forest Bank in September 2020, facing charges of assault, causing actual bodily harm, engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour, and property damage. He received a two-and-a-half-year sentence, along with a restraining order preventing contact with his former partner, on December 4, before being moved to Hindley on December 29, 2020.
Usher said Forest Bank should have done more to consider supporting him. He stated: 'It was his first time in prison. While he had a number of risk factors, prison staff at HMP Forest Bank, his previous prison, should have considered starting suicide and self-harm procedures for him when he arrived, he sought minimal support from prison staff and there were no clear signs to indicate that he intended to take his life, including in the days before his death.'
Inquest and prison response
The report disclosed that Woodhead 'ignored the restraining order in place' and rang his ex-partner the evening before his death, during which he made threats to end his own life. Prison officers were unable to revive him. He had a background of suicide attempts and self-harm, and abused alcohol, suffering from anxiety, depression, and substance abuse issues.
A jury at an inquest conducted in January 2024 established the medical cause of death as hanging and delivered a narrative conclusion, declaring Woodhead died as a result of suicide. A Prison Service spokesperson said: 'We have accepted and actioned all recommendations from the Prison and Probation Ombudsman. In recent years, prisons have expanded the use of physical security measures to tackle the smuggling of contraband such as drugs, including X-ray body scanners, airport-style Enhanced Gate Security, and X-ray baggage scanners.' A spokesperson for HMP Forest Bank stated: 'Our thoughts continue to be with Mr Woodhead's family and all those affected by his death. We have cooperated fully with the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman in the preparation of their report and accept the outcomes.'
