Jordan Donnell, 40, died on June 7 last year, just days after being released from HMP Holme House. He was found unresponsive at his home by his son, and an inquest ruled his death was drug-related, caused by the combined effects of pregabalin and temazepam.
Background and custody history
Mr Donnell faced charges of harassment and breaching a restraining order in May 2024. He was initially held at HMP Durham before receiving a 58-week prison sentence on October 30. He was freed on licence on November 14, but in January 2025 he was returned to custody for violating his licence terms and transferred to Holme House Prison.
During his initial reception assessment, Mr Donnell disclosed he had been using diazepam and temazepam illegally while in the community. A recovery coordinator from the drug and alcohol recovery team (DART) in County Durham spoke with him during his induction. According to a Prison and Probation Ombudsman inquiry, she outlined available support, including psychosocial interventions, which Mr Donnell expressed interest in pursuing.
Release and final days
Prior to his discharge, Mr Donnell told the recovery coordinator he had no plans to use illicit substances upon release. She provided harm reduction guidance, and they discussed the heightened risk of overdose resulting from reduced tolerance following imprisonment.
On June 5, he was discharged from Holme House Prison with seven days' worth of prescribed medication. Two days later, at approximately 5.45pm, his son discovered him unresponsive at home and requested an ambulance. The son commenced CPR, and paramedics took over at 6.04pm. Despite their efforts, Mr Donnell was declared dead at 6.34pm.
Inquest findings and support
The report notes: "Mr Donnell's son gave the paramedics half-empty packets of pregabalin tablets (medication not prescribed to Mr Donnell). He said that he had seen his father earlier that day and he was snoring. He said that he assumed Mr Donnell had taken two pregabalin tablets as this was normal behaviour for him. No other drug paraphernalia was found at the property."
An inquest conducted on February 9 determined Mr Donnell's death was drug-related. The report indicates he had an extensive history of alcohol and substance misuse and had previously received assistance from services while in custody and within the community. He was directed to County Durham drug and alcohol recovery services, and they arranged an initial appointment for him after release. However, he died before attending this appointment. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman investigation concluded that Mr Donnell received suitable support with his substance misuse and was conscious of the risks.
