The independent investigation conducted by Simon Draycott into the circumstances surrounding the incident at HMP Pentonville on 24 August 2010 that led to Mr Atlantic sustaining serious injuries is published. Also published is the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) response to the investigation.
Mr Atlantic was received at HMP Pentonville on 21 August 2010 and admitted to the prison healthcare inpatient unit following his assessment in the prison reception area. He was placed on constant supervision on an open ACCT document (Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork – the care planning system for prisoners identified as being at risk of suicide and/or
self-harm).
On 24 August Mr Atlantic was escorted by a prison officer and a healthcare assistant from the healthcare unit to the video link area for a court appearance. As the prison officer locked a door, Mr Atlantic jumped from the first floor balcony area in the healthcare stair well. He was given emergency treatment by the healthcare team and was taken by ambulance to hospital. Mr Atlantic is currently paralysed below his chest.
In order to meet the State’s investigative obligations under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, NOMS commissioned Simon Draycott, a Registered and Chartered Psychologist, to conduct an independent investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident involving Mr Atlantic on 24 August 2010 and to see whether there were lessons to be learned that might contribute to the care of prisoners at risk of suicide and self-harm.
The investigation report completed by Simon Draycott is published, along with the NOMS response to Simon Draycott’s recommendations.