The report of the independent investigation conducted by Andy Smith into the serious assault on ‘SR’ at HMP Durham on 16 April 2015 is published here. Also published is the response to the investigation from His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS).
On 16 April 2015, ‘SR’ was seriously assaulted by another prisoner in a shower area at HMP Durham, sustaining serious injuries that have left him requiring some assistance with daily living. The incident was referred to the police and the perpetrator was found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent. He received a sentence of 12 years and six months, to be served consecutive to his original sentence.
In order to meet the State’s investigative obligation under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, Andy Smith, a former Assistant Chief Inspector at HM Inspectorate of Probation, was commissioned to conduct an independent investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding the serious assault on ‘SR’ and to see what lessons can be learned.
The investigation report completed by Andy Smith is published, along with the responses to the recommendations from HMPPS.