Independent investigation into an incident of life-threatening self-harm involving ‘Mr Everest’

Independent investigation into an incident of life-threatening self-harm involving ‘Mr Everest’¹ at HMP Altcourse on 22 February 2014

The report of the independent investigation conducted by Professor Jenny Shaw into the incident of life-threatening self-harm involving ‘Mr Everest’ at HMP Altcourse on 22 February 2014 is published here.  Also published are the responses to the investigation from those responsible for commissioning and providing custodial and healthcare services at the prison.

‘Mr Everest’ was discovered hanging in the healthcare unit at HMP Altcourse, then operated by G4S, on 22 February 2014.  Staff administered first aid, including CPR, before paramedics arrived and ‘Mr Everest’ was taken to hospital.  ‘Mr Everest’ sustained a serious and long-term brain injury and resides in a rehabilitation setting. 

In order to meet the State’s investigative obligation under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, Professor Jenny Shaw, a Professor of Forensic Psychiatry, was commissioned to conduct an independent investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident of life-threatening self-harm involving ‘Mr Everest’ and to see what lessons can be learned. 

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

• Investigation report
• Response to recommendations

1. A pseudonym is used to protect the identity of the individual concerned. ↩︎