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Independent investigation into the life-threatening self-harm of WA

The independent investigation conducted by Barbara Stow into the life-threatening self-harm of WA at HMP Ranby on 18 February 2012 is published. 

Also published are the responses to the investigation from those responsible for commissioning and providing custodial and healthcare services at the prison.

WA was discovered hanging in his cell in the Care and Separation Unit at HMP Ranby on 18 February 2012.  Staff administered first aid, including CPR, before paramedics arrived and WA was taken to hospital. 

A Prison Service investigation of the circumstances surrounding the incident was carried out by a governor, which made a number of findings and recommendations about the management of the perpetrator of the assault whilst in prison custody.

In order to meet the State’s investigative obligation under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights HMPPS commissioned Barbara Stow, a former Assistant Prisons Ombudsman, to conduct an independent investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding the life-threatening serious self-harm of WA on 18 February 2012 and to see whether there are lessons to be learned.

The investigation report completed by Barbara Stow is published, along with the responses to the investigation from those responsible for commissioning and providing custodial and healthcare services at the prison.