Dylan Woodhead, a 22-year-old inmate, died at HMP Hindley on January 8, 2021, just 10 days after his transfer from HMP Forest Bank. A report by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman found he obtained psychoactive substances with 'apparent ease' and was not properly monitored the night before his death.
A post-mortem examination confirmed he had consumed 'psychoactive substances' before his death, according to the report, which was published following an inquiry into the tragedy. Ombudsman Adrian Usher stated: '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.'
Roll Check Failures
The report disclosed that roll checks were not properly completed the night and morning before Mr Woodhead 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.'
Mr Usher stated: 'The officer on night duty failed to properly conduct the evening roll check on 7 January 2021 and the morning roll check on 8 January and therefore did not check on Mr Woodhead. The officer on day duty also failed to conduct a morning roll check on 8 January. 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.'
Background and Previous Prison Failures
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. The Ombudsman's report stated that HMP Forest Bank should have considered starting suicide and self-harm procedures for him when he arrived. Mr Usher said: '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.'
Mr Woodhead, a joiner and father who played rugby for Wigan-based club Ince Rose Bridge, was remanded to HMP Forest Bank in September 2020, facing charges including assault causing actual bodily harm, engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour, and damage of a property. On December 4, he received a two-and-a-half year sentence alongside a restraining order prohibiting contact with his former partner, before being moved to Hindley on December 29, 2020. The report discloses he 'disregarded the restraining order in place' and telephoned his ex-partner the evening prior to his death, during which he made threats to end his own life.
Inquest and Recommendations
Prison officers were unsuccessful in their attempts to revive him. Mr Woodhead was reported to have a history of suicide attempts and self-harm, with the report further disclosing issues with alcohol misuse, anxiety, depression and substance abuse. At an inquest convened in January 2024, a jury determined the medical cause of death to be hanging, returning a narrative conclusion that Mr Woodhead died as a result of suicide.
The Ombudsman made a number of recommendations. Mr Usher stated: '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.' A Prison Service spokesperson commented: '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 commented: '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.'
