Jason Maynard, 43, was found dead in a friend's car on May 25, 2024, just two days after his release from HMP Swansea. An independent investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, published on June 25, confirmed his death resulted from combined drug toxicity.
Events Leading to Death
On May 24, 2024, police received a report that Mr Maynard had a cut above his eye and was incoherent. He refused to engage with officers, declined hospital treatment, and was taken to his mother's address. That evening and throughout the next day, he took drugs and consumed alcohol with friends before falling asleep in a friend's car. Friends later found him unresponsive in the back seat and called an ambulance. Paramedics pronounced him dead at 5.56pm.
Prison Support and Post-Release Care
The report noted that while in prison, Mr Maynard accessed satisfactory support for substance misuse. Upon release, staff provided a naloxone kit and warned about reduced tolerance and overdose risks. He was also given an appointment with community drug services. On May 23, he attended his initial probation appointment, where he presented well with no evidence of drug or alcohol influence.
A homelessness caseworker confirmed that Swansea Council had placed Mr Maynard in temporary accommodation at a hotel. He missed his initial substance misuse appointment on May 24 but attended on May 25, where staff noted he had blue around his mouth, raising concerns about possible drug use. He died later that day.
Ombudsman Findings
The Ombudsman concluded: "Before Mr Maynard was released from Swansea, staff gave him a naloxone kit and told him about his reduced tolerance and the dangers of overdose. He was also given an appointment to attend community drug services. Post-release, the community offender manager put appropriate measures in place to address Mr Maynard’s substance misuse issues. Mr Maynard received appropriate substance misuse support both pre and post-release. Mr Maynard was appropriately referred to the local authority for accommodation before he was released."
