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Independent investigation into a life-threatening incident  involving ‘Mr Midland’

Independent investigation into a life-threatening incident  involving ‘Mr Midland’1 at HMP Featherstone on 28 April 2016

The report of the independent investigation conducted by Dr Deborah Brooke into the life-threatening incident involving ‘Mr Midland’ at HMP Featherstone on 28 April 2016 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 Midland’ was discovered lying unresponsive on the floor of his cell at HMP Featherstone on 28 April 2016.  Staff administered first aid, including CPR, before paramedics arrived and ‘Mr Midland’ was taken to hospital.  ‘Mr Midland’ 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, Dr Deborah Brooke, a Consultant Psychiatrist, was commissioned to conduct an independent investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding the life-threatening incident involving ‘Mr Midland’ and to see what lessons can be learned.  Dr Brooke concluded that the evidence was persuasive that ‘Mr Midland’ had used a substance which caused him to stop breathing.

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


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