31 January 202222 December 2022 4WardEverUK

New data shows 2021 had highest number of deaths in prison ever

source: INQUEST
published: 27 January 2022

The Ministry of Justice has today (27 January 2022) released the latest statistics on deaths and self-harm in prison in England and Wales. This time last year INQUEST predicted that, in the midst of a second wave of Covid-19, the worst was yet to come. Sadly, the government did not act and we were proven right.

In the 12 months to December 2021 there were a total of 371 deaths of people in prison, representing the highest annual number of deaths ever recorded, with more than one death a day. This is despite recent reductions in the prison population. There were 4.7 deaths per 1,000 prisoners, also representing the highest ever rate of deaths.

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27 October 201922 December 2022 4WardEverUK

Peterborough prison death family ‘treading water’

source: BBC News
published: 14 October 2019

The family of a woman who died in prison while serving an indefinite term say they feel like they are treading water after an inquest into her death was delayed.

Charlotte Nokes, 38, was sentenced to 15 months but had served more than eight years at the time of her death on 23 July 2016 at HMP Peterborough.

Her family want answers about her death but are struggling with legal costs. An inquest was due to be heard at Huntingdon Coroner’s Court on Monday.

20 August 201721 December 2022 4WardEverUK

Britain is failing young people [detained] in custody

source: The Guardian
published: 17 August 2017

The neglect of young people represents state-sanctioned child abuse, argue Deborah Coles, Prof Joe Sim and Prof Steve Tombs from INQUEST.

INQUEST’s work with bereaved families has consistently revealed a litany of systemic neglect, violence, institutional complacency and short-sighted policies which contribute to the deaths and harm of children and young people (Report on Northants children’s prison finds rise in violent incidents, 9 August).