A watchdog has found that a prisoner who died in his cell had been able to obtain drugs behind bars with 'apparent ease'. Dylan Woodhead died at HMP Hindley on January 8, 2021.
The 22-year-old had been in the Bickershaw-based prison and young offender institution for 10 days after being transferred from HMP Forest Bank in Salford. A report into the young man's death said a post-mortem examination confirmed he had taken 'psychoactive substances' before his death.
The report also said Dylan was not checked properly the night before his death.
Ombudsman raises concerns over drug access and roll checks
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.'
The report, published by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, raised concerns over roll call checks at the prison, revealing the young dad was not checked by an officer the night before he was found dead.
The Ombudsman continued: '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 of the prisoner and circumstances of death
Mr Woodhead had been in custody for three months when he died, and for only ten days at Hindley. 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.
Dylan played rugby for Wigan-based Ince Rose Bridge. A joiner by trade, he was remanded into custody at HMP Forest Bank in September 2020, charged with assault, causing actual bodily harm, engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour and damage of a property.
He was sentenced to two-and-a-half years, with a restraining order not to contact his former-partner, on December 4, then transferred to Hindley, near Wigan, just after Christmas, on December 29, 2020. But the report shows he 'disregarded the restraining order' and called his ex the night before his death, where he made threats to take his own life. Dylan was said to have a history of attempted suicide and self-harm.
Report recommendations and prison responses
The report, which made a series of recommendations, also reveals he misused alcohol and had anxiety, depression and substance misuse problems.
Writing in the report, ombudsman Mr Usher said: 'The officer on night duty failed to properly conduct the evening roll check on 7 January 2021 and the morning roll check on January 8 and therefore did not check on Mr Woodhead.'
'The officer on day duty also failed to conduct a morning roll check on January 8. Although we cannot say whether this might have made a difference in Mr Woodhead's case, early intervention in another emergency may save a life.'
'Although Hindley has a comprehensive drug strategy, Mr Woodhead was still able to obtain drugs in the prison. The prison updated its drug strategy in March 2021, but must continue to implement it effectively to reduce supply and demand.'
At an inquest into his death in January 2024 a jury determined the medical cause of death as hanging and returned a narrative conclusion, stating Dylan 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.'
An HMP Forest Bank spokesperson said: '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.'
