HMP Lowdham Grange: 'Prisoners shouldn't be leaving jail in body bags'

HMP Lowdham Grange: 'Prisoners shouldn't be leaving jail in body bags'

In Nottingham, a woman who lost her fiance in prison is speaking out against the lack of changes made by management and staff to prevent other inmates from dying. Kane Boyce, 41, was discovered dead in his cell at HMP Lowdham Grange on October 3, 2021. This tragic incident follows reports of repeated failures at the Category B jail, where three other men died in March 2023, and a total of 10 prisoners perished in custody between August 2023 and March of the following year.

Kate Woodhead, the grieving fiance, emphasized the importance of preventing deaths in prison, stating, “We don’t have a death sentence, and people shouldn’t be coming out of jail in body bags.” Despite the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) taking over the prison and implementing safety and support measures, concerns about inmate well-being persist. Woodhead shared her connection with Boyce, recalling their initial meeting while working in London and their subsequent reconnection while both serving time in prison. Boyce, convicted of the murder of his former girlfriend, was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years and arrived at Lowdham Grange in 2018.

Tragically, Boyce’s death was a result of staff negligence, as he was seen under the influence of alcohol without receiving proper checks as stipulated by prison policy. An inquest revealed critical lapses in communication and policy adherence, leading to fatal consequences. Woodhead expressed disappointment in the lack of improvement following Boyce’s death, highlighting systemic issues that persist despite assurances of change. The prison’s management transition from Serco to Sodexo in 2023 marked a failed attempt to address safety concerns, resulting in more tragic deaths.

The ongoing failures at Lowdham Grange underscore the urgent need for staff accountability and policy adherence to ensure prisoner safety. Despite attempts by different operators to address these issues, the unfortunate deaths of inmates continue to raise questions about the efficacy of prison management. Moving forward, there is a pressing need for comprehensive reforms and oversight to prevent further tragedies within the prison system

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