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Independent investigation into the life-threatening attempted suicide of Mr Quartz

The independent investigation conducted by Professor Jenny Shaw into the life-threatening attempted suicide of Mr Quartz at HMP Doncaster on 2 December 2008 is published. Also published is the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) response to the investigation.

Mr Quartz was serving a sentence with an extended licence period, and having been recalled to prison was received into HMP Doncaster on 14 July 2008.  On 2 December 2008, Mr Quartz seriously self-harmed by using a ligature which was attached to his bed. He lost consciousness and was taken to outside hospital.

Mr Quartz suffered a hypoxic brain injury and remained in hospital until the date of his release from custody on 13 February 2009.

In order to meet the State’s investigative obligations under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, NOMS commissioned Professor Jenny Shaw, a Professor of Forensic Psychiatry, to conduct an independent investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding the life-threatening attempted suicide of Mr Quartz at HMP Doncaster on 2 December 2008 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 Professor Shaw is published, along with the NOMS response to Professor Shaw’s recommendations.